FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into the heated altercation that erupted after Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with several Argentina players now facing the prospect of suspensions.
The probe comes after post-match scenes overshadowed Spain's second World Cup triumph, as a mass confrontation broke out moments after the final whistle at New York New Jersey Stadium.
FIFA appoints disciplinary prosecutor after World Cup final melee
Football's world governing body confirmed it has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code during the post-match incidents.
In a statement, FIFA said:
"FIFA's Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential
breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents. "
The governing body added that its findings and any disciplinary action will be announced once the investigation is complete.
Leandro Paredes at the centre of ugly post-match scenes
Television footage showed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes at the centre of the confrontation.
The midfielder appeared to grab Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat before pushing substitute Gavi to the ground as tensions escalated between the two squads.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni quickly intervened in an attempt to separate the players, but Paredes continued confronting Spanish players before teammates eventually pulled him away.
Several other Argentina players, including Nahuel Molina and Nicolas Otamendi, also became involved in the melee, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala entered the confrontation.
The ugly scenes contrasted sharply with moments elsewhere on the pitch, including an embrace between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal after the final whistle.
Lamine Yamal's calm reaction goes viral
While tempers flared around him, Spain teenager Lamine Yamal attracted widespread praise for his composure.
As Argentina and Spain players confronted each other, Yamal was seen kneeling on the pitch with his hands raised in prayer, offering thanks after Spain secured the World Cup title.
The image quickly went viral on social media and became one of the defining moments of the tournament's conclusion.
What punishment could Argentina players face?
If FIFA concludes players committed violent conduct, sanctions could be significant.
Under Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, offences such as assault, punching, kicking, elbowing, grabbing an opponent by the neck or other violent acts can carry a minimum three-match suspension, alongside possible financial penalties.
Depending on the findings, individual Argentina players could miss upcoming international fixtures.
FIFA could also sanction the Argentine Football Association (AFA) if it determines the team's overall conduct breached disciplinary regulations.
Argentina already under separate FIFA investigation
The latest investigation comes while Argentina is already under FIFA scrutiny following its World Cup semi-final victory over England.
After that match, players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Falkland Islands are Argentine"), prompting complaints from UK officials.
FIFA confirmed last week that it had opened a separate disciplinary investigation into whether the political display breached the organisation's stadium regulations and code of conduct.
What happens next?
FIFA will now review official referee reports, disciplinary submissions and video footage before determining whether formal charges should be issued.
Until that process is complete, no suspensions or sanctions have been imposed.
However, with two separate disciplinary investigations involving Argentina now underway, the fallout from the 2026 FIFA World Cup could continue long after the final whistle that crowned Spain as world champions.
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