FIFA has handed a significant punishment to Argentina’s national soccer team following a series of incidents at the 2026 World Cup, with Leandro Paredes receiving a 10-game ban for his aggressive conduct during a post-match brawl in the tournament’s final against Spain. Video evidence showed Paredes attacking two Spanish players, including grabbing Eric Garcia by the throat and tossing Gavi to the ground. This suspension effectively sidelines Paredes from national team duties for about a year. In addition to Paredes' ban, fellow Argentine Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven games and fined $90,000 alongside Paredes for their roles in the altercation.

Other Argentine players involved, Thiago Almada and Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, were each suspended for one game and fined $30,000. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) faced a hefty fine totaling $321,000 and must play its next two home matches with only half the usual crowd allowed, penalties imposed due to a range of disorderly incidents, including discriminatory chants and political demonstrations during the tournament. One particularly controversial moment came after Argentina’s semifinal win over England, when players displayed a banner that declared the Falklands Islands (referred to as Las Malvinas in Argentina) as Argentine territory, sparking geopolitical tensions.

FIFA’s disciplinary action reinforced its rules against political demonstrations at sports events following the Falklands dispute flare-up and other racist incidents involving Argentine fans during the tournament. The Argentine foreign ministry also contributed to the controversy by accusing British ships of entering what it considers Argentine waters near the islands. Argentina had earned $43 million in prize money for finishing as runners-up in the World Cup, but these recent penalties have cast a shadow over their on-field achievement.

Despite these controversies, the AFA has maintained its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino amid his growing challenges. Infantino recently abandoned a controversial plan to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup after widespread criticism, though the Argentina federation was among the few national bodies still backing him. The recent sanctions serve as a reminder of FIFA’s strict stance on disciplinary and political conduct in the sport, highlighting the intersection of soccer with broader political and ethical issues.