FIFA has launched a formal disciplinary investigation into Argentina following the chaotic scenes that erupted after the team’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with several players and officials facing the prospect of lengthy worldwide suspensions.
The world football governing body confirmed that it has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate alleged breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code stemming from the post-match altercation at MetLife Stadium.
The confrontation broke out immediately after the final whistle as Spain celebrated claiming their first FIFA World Cup title. Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff were reportedly involved in the melee, including Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala.
Initial reports suggested that midfielder Leandro Paredes had been shown a straight red card for an altercation involving Spain defender Eric Garcia. However, FIFA later clarified that the dismissal was recorded in error and has since been removed from the official match records.
Argentina had already been reduced to 10 men during the match after Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppage time.
In a statement, FIFA said its disciplinary committee had appointed a prosecutor to examine potential violations of its disciplinary code relating to the post-match incidents.
The investigation will determine whether the conduct of Argentina’s players and officials breached Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which deals with offensive behaviour, fair play and actions capable of bringing football or FIFA into disrepute.
Depending on the outcome of the inquiry, FIFA could impose significant sanctions, including worldwide bans from football-related activities on individuals found guilty.
The governing body has previously invoked the same provisions in high-profile disciplinary cases, including the three-year suspension handed to former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales and the four-month worldwide ban imposed on Uruguay striker Luis Suarez following the 2014 World Cup.
The latest investigation adds to Argentina’s disciplinary concerns, as FIFA is already examining the team’s post-match celebrations after their World Cup semi-final victory over England.
Several Argentine players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” reaffirming Argentina’s claim over the Falkland Islands. FIFA is investigating whether the political message breached its regulations, with the Argentine Football Association expected to face a financial penalty, while some players could also be sanctioned individually.
The disciplinary proceedings are expected to determine whether further punishment will be imposed on both the Argentine Football Association and the players involved in the two separate incidents.
