FIFA has opened an investigation into Argentina following the chaotic scenes that erupted after their defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, with players, coaching staff and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) facing possible disciplinary action.
The world football governing body confirmed that its disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the incidents that followed Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Any players or officials found guilty could face suspensions, while the AFA could also be sanctioned financially.
Background
Television footage showed several Argentina players collapsing to the ground in disappointment after the final whistle, while Spain’s squad celebrated their victory.
The confrontation reportedly began when Spain midfielder Rodri, who had been substituted earlier, ran onto the pitch from the bench to celebrate with his teammates. As he passed Molina, the Argentina defender appeared to strike him on the arm or midsection.
Rodri confronted Molina before Eric Garcia joined his teammate. Paredes then became involved and appeared to jab Garcia in the throat.
Spain substitute Gavi attempted to intervene but was forced to the ground by Thiago Almada before Paredes pushed him in the face.
Assistant coach Roberto Ayala also appeared to grab Garcia around the throat before seemingly striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
Post-match clashes under scrutiny
The altercations broke out moments after the final whistle as Spain’s players celebrated winning their second FIFA World Cup title.
Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff, including Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, appeared to be involved in confrontations with Spain players.
Initial reports stated that referee Slavko Vincic had shown Paredes a red card after he allegedly pushed Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat.
However, FIFA later removed the dismissal from the official match record and confirmed that no disciplinary action had been taken against the midfielder during the game.
Argentina had already finished the match with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card in stoppage time before extra time.
Former players condemn behaviour
Former England captain, Alan Shearer, criticised Argentina’s conduct during BBC One’s coverage of the final.
“Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone’s face. He went for them,” Shearer said.
“There is no place or space for that.
“We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose. Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible.”
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart added, “The game’s done, they can have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.”
Scaloni urges calm
Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, attempted to defuse the situation on the pitch and later played down the incidents during his post-match press conference.
“We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat,” Scaloni said.
“Today, we are showing that we know how to lose.
“We lost the match, and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”
Possible sanctions
Under FIFA’s disciplinary code, investigators will assess whether the conduct breached Article 13, which covers offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play.
The prosecutor has the authority to recommend sanctions ranging from fines to suspensions, with bans applicable worldwide if deemed appropriate.
While lengthy suspensions similar to those handed to Uruguay striker Luis Suarez after his bite on Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup appear unlikely, FIFA could still impose significant penalties on individuals involved.
Argentina’s previous disciplinary issues
The investigation comes as Argentina continue to face scrutiny over player conduct at major tournaments.
FIFA had already begun disciplinary proceedings after Argentina players displayed a banner supporting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands following their 2-1 semi-final victory over England.
The banner read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), a message that previously resulted in the AFA being fined after a similar incident before a 2014 international friendly against Slovenia.
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Players seen holding the banner included Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Lisandro Martínez.
Argentina were also fined following the 2022 World Cup final after players’ celebrations attracted criticism. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez later received a two-match suspension in 2024 for offensive behaviour during World Cup qualifiers.
Fernandez also apologised after the 2024 Copa América over a video that the French Football Federation described as containing a racist and discriminatory chant.
Investigation timeline
FIFA has not announced when the disciplinary investigation will conclude.
Previous cases have taken several weeks or months before sanctions were imposed.
UEFA, for example, took more than two months to conclude its investigation into Gianluca Prestianni’s conduct following Benfica’s Champions League match against Real Madrid earlier this year.
