FIFA has handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match suspension following his involvement in the post-match confrontation after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Paredes was sanctioned after FIFA investigated the altercations that broke out following the final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
His Argentina teammate, Nahuel Molina, was also suspended for seven matches over his involvement in the incidents.
FIFA had opened disciplinary proceedings against Paredes on three counts of assault, while Molina faced two assault charges and an additional allegation of unsporting behaviour.
The sanctions form part of a wider disciplinary action against the Argentine Football Association (AFA), which has been fined $321,000 (£243,000) for several violations recorded during the tournament.
Among the breaches cited by FIFA were discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, misconduct by team officials and the use of a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations.
The AFA has also been ordered to play its next two home matches under spectator restrictions, although one of those matches has been suspended.
FIFA’s disciplinary action also covers a political banner displayed by Argentina players following their 2-1 semi-final victory over England.
The banner expressed Argentina’s claim to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which Argentina refers to as the Islas Malvinas.
FIFA considered the display a potential violation of its regulations prohibiting the use of sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations.
The punishments bring a disciplinary conclusion to Argentina’s controversial World Cup campaign, which ended with Spain lifting the trophy after a 1-0 victory following extra time.
The final was officially recorded as taking place on July 19 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
