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The FIFA Disciplinary Committee suspended Leandro Paredes for 10 international matches and imposed a $90,000 fine after the Argentine midfielder initiated physical contact with multiple Spanish players. Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and an identical fine while Thiago Almada drew a one-match suspension and $30,000 penalty. Roberto Ayala, a member of Argentina’s coaching staff, was banned for three matches with the same $30,000 fine, and Spain’s Gavi received a one-match ban plus $30,000 for unsporting behaviour, according to the committee’s decision issued on August 21, 2026.
A scuffle broke out at the final whistle of the July 19 contest at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey where Spain lifted the trophy after Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute. Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat before throwing Gavi to the ground and appearing to strike him, Reuters reported from video reviews. Molina struck Rodri in the midsection as Spanish substitutes entered the field while Ayala became involved in separate physical exchanges, multiple accounts from BBC Sport and CNN confirmed.
The Argentine Football Association received a total fine of $321,000 for breaches that included discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, team misconduct, the use of the sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations and failures in match security. FIFA directed that the federation play its next two home internationals at 50 percent capacity although one of those matches and $100,000 of the fine were suspended for a probationary period. The association stated it would appeal the sanctions and could escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary, as BBC Sport reported.
Spain claimed its second World Cup title with the extra-time victory before an attendance of 80,663 while Argentina managed no shots on target during regulation time and finished the match with 10 players following a red card, FIFA records show. The 2026 edition expanded to 48 teams and became the first tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States across 16 venues in the three countries. Emiliano Martinez set a World Cup final record with 11 saves despite the defeat, according to match reports from CBS News.
Paredes’ 10-match ban ranks among the longest handed down in World Cup history and echoes the severity of sanctions imposed on Uruguay forward Luis Suarez in 2014, CNN noted in its coverage. All suspensions will apply solely to matches for the respective national teams rather than club competitions under Article 69 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The committee completed its review after receiving a report from the appointed disciplinary and ethics prosecutor who examined the final incidents.
FIFA announced the decisions following a thorough assessment of cases from throughout the competition that also addressed fan behaviour during earlier rounds. The tournament generated significant global interest as the co-hosting model spread matches from the opening game in Mexico City to the final in the New York metropolitan area. Data from the governing body highlighted both the logistical success of the expanded format and the importance of enforcing standards to protect the integrity of future events.
