Archive · 22 Aug 2026
FIFA Hands Leandro Paredes Ten-Game Ban After World Cup Brawl
FIFA punished several people after Argentina and Spain had a fight following the 2026 World Cup final.
Argentina lost the final to Spain in New Jersey.
Leandro Paredes received the longest punishment, a 10-match suspension.
Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches, and Thiago Almada was suspended for one.
Spain’s Gavi also received a one-match suspension.
FIFA said Paredes shoved Gavi and grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also fined.
FIFA additionally fined Argentina’s football association over several incidents during the tournament.
The association must also spend money on anti-racism programs, and the punishments can be appealed.
Leandro Paredes received a 10-match FIFA suspension after Argentina’s post-match brawl with Spain.
Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches, while Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension.
Paredes and Molina were each fined $90,000; Almada and Roberto Ayala were fined $30,000 each.
Spain’s Gavi also received a one-match suspension for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
The Argentine Football Association was fined $110,000 and ordered to spend $100,000 on anti-racism initiatives.
- Who
- Argentina players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada; Spain’s Gavi; Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala; FIFA; and the Argentine Football Association.
- What
- FIFA issued suspensions and fines after a post-match brawl and other incidents connected to the 2026 World Cup.
- When
- FIFA announced the sanctions on Friday after the 2026 World Cup final; Paredes is scheduled to miss 10 fixtures through June 2027.
- Where
- The brawl occurred after the World Cup final in New Jersey; the final was between Argentina and Spain.
- Why
- The punishments followed alleged assault and unsportsmanlike behaviour during the brawl, plus other incidents involving the Argentine Football Association, including a political banner about the Falkland Islands.
- Paredes suspension
- 10 matches
- Molina suspension
- 7 matches
- Almada suspension
- 1 match
- Paredes and Molina fines
- $90,000 each
- AFA fine
- $110,000
- Anti-racism allocation
- $100,000
- Appeal options
- The sanctions may be appealed to FIFA and potentially taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.