Jeenah Moon/Reuters
Argentina players and staff have finally found out their punishments after the chaos at the end of the 2026 World Cup final, with three players and one member of staff sanctioned. One Spain player has also been punished.
FIFA opened an investigation into the actions of the South American side following their 1-0 loss against Spain at MetLife Stadium in July. Leandro Paredes was at the centre of the chaos, which saw him grab Gavi by the throat and throw him to the floor.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Otamendi was seen in a heated confrontation with Spanish captain Rodri, and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala 'punched' Dani Olmo. Now, the guilty parties have been handed their individual punishments.
Paredes and Four Others Punished For World Cup Antics
Mike Segar via Action Images/Reuters
Following the investigation, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to take action against Paredes, Ayala, Thiago Almada and Nahuel Molina. Martyn Ziegler of The Times posted further information about the action FIFA has now taken on X.
Gavi has also been handed a $30,000 fine and a one-match ban for his part in the physical altercation. Almada was given the exact same sanction for his actions.
Argentina fan holds replica World Cup trophy inside the stadium before the match
Argentina fan holds replica World Cup trophy inside the stadium before the match
Meanwhile, Ayala will serve a three-match suspension on top of his $30,000 fine. The biggest punishments by far have been given to Paredes and Molina.
Both men got physical after the final whistle, with Paredes being handed a 10-match suspension, while Molina will miss seven games. The pair have also been given $90,000 fines.
Paredes Could 'Escape' His Ban
REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
The 2026 World Cup appeared to be the end of the line for several members of Argentina's squad. Lionel Scaloni relied heavily on many of the players who were key to the 2022 success in Qatar for one last dance.
Otamendi has already confirmed his retirement from La Albiceleste, while Lionel Messi's future in the blue and white stripes looks uncertain. Paredes, 32, could effectively 'escape' the ban by simply retiring from international football. It wouldn't prevent the fine from having to be paid but a suspension won't really matter if he doesn't intend on playing for Argentina again.
Argentina's Leandro Paredes clashes with Spain's Gavi next to assistant coach Walter Samuel
Argentina's Leandro Paredes clashes with Spain's Gavi next to assistant coach Walter Samuel
Whether he'll do that or not remains to be seen. But Paredes certainly won't be involved for his country in the next 10 games, at least.