FIFA has levied substantial penalties against Argentina and Spain following a brawl that erupted immediately after the 2026 World Cup Final on July 19. The global soccer governing body announced Friday that 22 games will be suspended and $270,000 will be fined between the two national teams.
Argentina's Leandro Paredes received the most severe punishment, a 10-game ban and a $90,000 fine, for striking Spain's Eric Garcia in the throat and shoving Gavi during the altercation. Nahuel Molina, another Argentine player, was handed a seven-game ban and a $90,000 fine for his involvement. Argentina's Thiago Almada received a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala was suspended for three matches and fined $30,000.
Spain's Gavi was the sole player from the Spanish side to be penalized, receiving a one-game ban and a $30,000 fine.
The incident occurred moments after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the final match at New York-New Jersey Stadium. Players and coaches from both sides became involved in a physical confrontation as tensions ran high. Lionel Messi, the Argentinian star, was not directly involved in the brawl, though his future international career remains uncertain following Argentina's failed attempt to secure back-to-back World Cup titles.