FIFA to investigate clashes between Spain and Argentina after World Cup final

By Olivia Hughes — 20 July 2026 — 3 min read

Post-Match Altercations Trigger Investigation

FIFA has initiated an investigation into the altercations that occurred on the pitch following Spain‘s victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Final. The match, held at New York/New Jersey Stadium, concluded with a 1-0 win for Spain in extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal.

Following the final whistle, several brawls erupted among players and coaches from both sides. These incidents prompted the global football governing body to launch a formal inquiry.

One notable incident involved Argentina‘s Leandro Paredes, who appeared to grab Spain‘s Eric García by the throat. This was followed by a wider melee where players were seen shoving and tripping each other. Paredes also reportedly threw Gavi to the ground during the commotion.

Another incident saw Argentina defender Nahuel Molina seemingly strike Spain midfielder Rodri in the stomach as Rodri ran onto the pitch to celebrate. Additionally, Argentina‘s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, was observed being restrained by a Spanish player while shouting. Nicola Otamendi also exchanged words with several Spanish players, including their captain Rodrí, before the situation was diffused.

A particularly aggressive moment involved Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala, who reportedly approached Spain‘s Dani Olmo and punched him on the chin before they were separated.

Disciplinary Actions and Further Scrutiny

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC). This action follows an assessment of the relevant match reports from the final.

Leandro Paredes received a red card after the final whistle for his involvement in the post-match incidents. He had also been shown a yellow card earlier in the game for a tackle after being substituted into the match in the second half. The alleged chokehold by Paredes on the Spanish player would result in an automatically applied red card.

Beyond Paredes, Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala are also expected to be part of the investigation. During the match itself, Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card in the third minute of added time at the end of regulation play, having received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsi. Four other Argentina players, including substitute Paredes, and head coach Lionel Scaloni were booked during the game.

Reactions and Implications

The unsavory scenes drew criticism from various observers. Argentina‘s head coach Lionel Scaloni commented on the defeat, stating, “We are gracious in victory, and we must be so in defeat. We accept the loss; we gave everything. We were stretched thin coming into this, but giving it your all, like they did today, sets a great example for our people and our country. You lose, and you have to pick yourself up again.”

However, others were less forgiving of Argentina‘s post-match conduct. One pundit noted that Lionel Messi was an exception, shaking hands with every Spanish player, and described the behavior of others as “disgusting.” The pundit also stated that Argentina had no legitimate complaints about the outcome of the match.

The investigation by FIFA will determine what further actions, if any, will be taken regarding the incidents that transpired after Spain‘s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the World Cup Final.

Source: foxnews.com