FIFA hands Argentina stars Paredes and Molina lengthy bans after World Cup final brawl

By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi/ Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
Publication Date: August 21, 2026

FIFA has imposed lengthy suspensions on Argentina internationals Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina following the confrontation that marred the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

Paredes has received a 10-match international suspension, while Molina has been banned for seven matches, bringing the combined suspension for the two Argentina players to 17 games.

The disciplinary action follows the heated scenes that erupted after Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

FIFA had opened disciplinary proceedings against Paredes, Molina and several other players after reviewing the incidents that occurred during and immediately after the final. The governing body had specifically investigated Paredes and Molina for alleged acts of assault.

Paredes receives the heavier punishment

Paredes has been handed the most severe individual punishment, with FIFA suspending him for 10 international matches and imposing a US$90,000 fine.

The Argentina midfielder was accused of playing a leading role in the confrontation after the final whistle.

Reports on the disciplinary decision say Paredes pushed Spain midfielder Gavi and was involved in an altercation with Eric García, including grabbing the Spanish defender by the throat.

The severity of the punishment reflects FIFA’s assessment of the conduct as more serious than ordinary post-match unsporting behaviour.

The 10-match suspension is particularly significant because Paredes remains an important member of Argentina’s senior national team.

The midfielder, who was part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, will now miss a substantial number of international fixtures while serving the sanction.

Molina banned for seven matches

Molina has also been punished heavily, receiving a seven-match suspension and a US$90,000 fine.

FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings had alleged two assault-related incidents involving Molina, one completed and another attempted, as well as an additional charge of unsporting behaviour.

The seven-match ban places Molina among the most heavily sanctioned players from the incident and represents a significant setback for Argentina as the team begins its next phase following the World Cup.

How the World Cup final turned ugly

The disciplinary case stems from events that unfolded after Spain secured a dramatic victory over Argentina in the final.

Spain’s victory crowned them world champions after a tournament in which Argentina had been among the leading contenders.

However, instead of the final being remembered solely for the football, the closing moments were overshadowed by confrontations between players from both teams.

The incidents prompted FIFA to launch a formal investigation.

The governing body subsequently opened proceedings against Paredes, Molina and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala for alleged assault, while Argentina’s Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi faced proceedings for alleged unsporting behaviour.

Other players and officials also punished

Paredes and Molina are not the only individuals to face FIFA sanctions over the incident.

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has received a three-match suspension, while Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi have also been sanctioned.

Reuters reported that Almada and Gavi received one-match bans and fines of US$30,000 each, while Ayala was handed a three-match suspension and a US$30,000 fine.

The disciplinary action demonstrates the extent to which FIFA considered the post-match incidents to have crossed the line from ordinary competitive emotion into unacceptable conduct.

Argentina Football Association also fined

FIFA’s disciplinary action has extended beyond individual players.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been fined approximately US$321,000 over several breaches recorded during the World Cup.

Those breaches include team misconduct, discriminatory behaviour and security-related issues.

FIFA also sanctioned Argentina over the display of a political banner concerning the Falkland Islands/Malvinas following the country’s semi-final victory over England.

The governing body has emphasised that football matches should not be used for political demonstrations. Part of the financial penalty will be directed towards anti-discrimination initiatives.

Argentina to face stadium restriction

The AFA will also have to deal with a stadium-related punishment.

Argentina’s next two home matches will be played with only 50 per cent of the stadium capacity available, although aspects of the sanction have been suspended subject to a probationary period.

The restrictions form part of FIFA’s wider disciplinary response to incidents involving the Argentina team and its supporters during the tournament.

FIFA had warned of serious sanctions

The sanctions follow a disciplinary process that began several weeks ago.

On July 29, FIFA announced that its Disciplinary Committee had opened proceedings against Paredes, Molina, Ayala, Almada and Gavi after receiving reports from its Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor.

The proceedings against Paredes and Molina were particularly serious because they involved potential breaches of FIFA’s rules concerning assault.

The players were subsequently given an opportunity to present their positions before the disciplinary committee reached its decision.

What the bans mean for Argentina

The sanctions could have a considerable impact on Argentina’s national team.

Paredes’ 10-match suspension means he will be unavailable for a significant portion of Argentina’s upcoming international programme.

Molina’s seven-match ban will similarly deprive the team of one of its established defenders.

The timing is significant because Argentina is entering a new period following the 2026 World Cup, with the national team expected to begin preparing for future international competitions and qualification campaigns.

The loss of two experienced players for such a prolonged period could therefore force head coach Lionel Scaloni to explore alternative options.

A controversial ending to a historic World Cup

The post-match confrontation has added an unwanted chapter to what was otherwise a historic World Cup final.

Spain’s 1–0 victory secured the country’s latest world title, but the scenes after the final whistle quickly became a major talking point.

FIFA’s subsequent disciplinary proceedings have now produced some of the tournament’s most significant individual suspensions.

For Paredes and Molina, the consequences will extend well beyond the final itself, with both players set to miss a substantial number of Argentina’s international matches.

The Argentine Football Association has indicated that the sanctions can be challenged through the appropriate appeals process, meaning the disciplinary saga may not yet be completely over. FIFA’s disciplinary decisions are subject to appeal, including potentially before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

For now, however, FIFA’s message is unmistakable: violent conduct and unsporting behaviour will carry serious consequences, even when committed in the emotionally charged aftermath of a World Cup final.

GhanaianNewsCanada will continue to monitor developments surrounding the FIFA sanctions and any appeal by the Argentine Football Association or the affected players.