Paredes given 10-match ban after Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup final brawl

Leandro Paredes has received a 10-match suspension for his involvement in the incidents that followed Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. FIFA’s disciplinary committee also banned Argentina team-mate Nahuel Molina for seven matches.

Spain secured the title through Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal after Argentina were reduced to 10 players. The result ended Argentina’s reign as world champions, which began with their victory over France in the 2022 final in Qatar, and gave Spain their second World Cup title.

The sanctions relate to altercations involving Argentina players and members of the backroom staff after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium. FIFA appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor last month to examine the events involving players from both teams.

Argentina have additionally been ordered to stage their next two home matches at 50 per cent capacity. One of those two matches is subject to a suspension, meaning the restriction is not immediately active for both fixtures. The Argentine Football Association has also been fined £243,000.

The fine covers several breaches of FIFA’s disciplinary code. They include using a sporting event for demonstrations considered non-sporting, misconduct by the team, and discriminatory chants and gestures from Argentina supporters.

The disciplinary case also includes an incident from Argentina’s semi-final win over England. After the 2-1 victory, several Argentine players displayed a banner asserting Argentina’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory. Spain went on to beat the 10-man finalists in the decisive match, while Paredes and Molina now face lengthy suspensions as Argentina begins its post-World Cup period.