FIFA sanctions Argentina over the final's brawl and the Falklands banner

On Friday, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee handed out financial and sporting penalties to the Argentine Football Association and four of its national squad members for their actions during the 2026 World Cup final and throughout the tournament, including the display of a Falklands sovereignty banner. The most severe punishment was imposed on midfielder Leandro Paredes, who faced a ten-match ban and a $90,000 fine for striking Spain's Eric Garcia and Gavi.

Defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match ban and $90,000 for his altercation with Rodri, while forward Thiago Almada was suspended for one match and fined $30,000 for his involvement in the brawl. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was barred from coaching for three matches and fined $30,000 over an incident with Dani Olmo. Spain's tournament winners were also penalized, with only Gavi receiving a one-match ban and $30,000 fine.

The incident occurred on July 19 at a New Jersey stadium after Spain's 1-0 victory. The Argentine federation's total fines amount to $321,000, with $100,000 suspended. The breakdown reveals that the Falklands banner accounted for the smallest fine of $10,000, while the remaining fines were for racist, homophobic, and discriminatory chanting by Argentine fans during five tournament matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, England, and Spain.

The federation must also spend the fine on an anti-discrimination plan approved by FIFA within six months. The AFA plans to appeal the decisions to FIFA's Appeal Committee and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.