FIFA Hands Down Heavy Sanctions to Argentina and Paredes After 2026 World Cup Final

FIFA handed down sanctions to the Argentine national team and several of its players on Friday, one month after the 2026 World Cup final won by Spain (1-0 a.e.t.) on July 19 in the New York suburbs.

The world governing body’s disciplinary commission condemned the Albiceleste to a total fine of $321,000 on four counts: “use of a sporting event as a platform for manifestations of a non-sporting nature”, “inappropriate team conduct”, “discrimination and racist incidents” and breaches of “order and security during matches”. Argentina must also play two official home matches with attendance capped at 50% capacity, one of which is suspended — matches that will likely concern the qualifying rounds for the next Copa America.

These sanctions follow several incidents throughout the tournament: a banner reading “The Falkland Islands are Argentine” deployed by players after their semi-final victory over England (2-1), racist acts committed by Argentine supporters, and above all two acts of rare violence by Leandro Paredes against Eric Garcia and Gavi at the final whistle of the final.

Paredes, 32, is suspended for ten matches and fined $90,000. The former PSG midfielder was already considering international retirement; the severity of the sanction could hasten his decision. Full-back Nahuel Molina receives a seven-match ban and $90,000 fine, former Lyon midfielder Thiago Almada a one-match suspension and $30,000 fine, while assistant Roberto Ayala is suspended for three matches and fined $30,000.

On the Spanish side, Gavi is suspended for one match and fined $30,000. The sentence appears lenient given the facts: it was the Spain midfielder who triggered the general altercation by striking Paredes from behind.