In brief
In the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup final, FIFA has initiated investigations into Argentina for alleged assault and misconduct, with calls to examine players Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala. The disciplinary prosecutor highlighted potential breaches across matches, including non‑sporting demonstrations and discriminatory behaviour. FIFA’s code imposes suspensions of at least one match for unsporting conduct and three matches for assault, putting the implicated Argentine squad under scrutiny. Further investigations will also probe the Argentine Football Association for broader violations, such as the Falkland Islands banner used in the semi‑final celebration.
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over their behaviour after their World Cup final loss to Spain and throughout the tournament.
Last week, FIFA appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to assess what happened after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where multiple Argentine players and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players following their 1-0 loss in July.
On the prosecutor's recommendation, FIFA will investigate Argentine players Nahuel Molina (two counts) and Leandro Paredes (three counts), along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala (one count) for alleged assault under Article 14 of FIFA's disciplinary code. Molina may also face one count of alleged unsporting behaviour under Article 14, while teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are also accused of the same breach.
Under FIFA's disciplinary code, players and officials face at least a one-match suspension for unsporting conduct and at least three matches for assault.
The Argentine Football Association faces disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches across multiple matches, including using a sports event for non‑sporting demonstrations (Article 13), team misconduct (Article 14), discrimination and racist abuse (Article 15), and breaching security (Article 17). These charges cover discriminatory chants, inappropriate messages, late kick-offs, and spectators throwing objects.
In the semi‑final victory over England, Argentine players celebrated with a banner supporting their country's claim to the Falkland Islands. The banner, read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" – meaning "The Falklands are Argentine" – has drawn further scrutiny.
FIFA is currently assessing match reports and will determine whether to impose penalties ranging from one to three matches on those found guilty of violating the disciplinary code.
