FIFA to investigate Argentina after World Cup final clashes
· Yahoo Sports
July 20 (UPI) -- FIFA will investigate scuffles between Argentina and Spain players and coaches after the 2026 World Cup Final, the soccer governing body said Monday.
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The incidents occurred after the final whistle Sunday at New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., as Spanish players celebrated winning the tournament.
"Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the FIFA disciplinary committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents," FIFA said.
"Further details will be communicated by the FIFA disciplinary committee once the prosecutor's report has been completed."
Leandro Paredes of Argentina forces Eric Garcia of Spain to the ground after time expires at the FIFA World Cup final match against Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPIArgentina not only lost the final.
First time ever I see a team ruining the winners celebration.
Shame on Argentina pic.twitter.com/z33oSAA8V3— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) July 19, 2026
After the game ended, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes confronted Spain players Eric García and Gavi, while defender Nahuel Molina attempted to knock over captain Rodri during the celebrations. Videos of the incident also showed Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.
FIFA's disciplinary committee will review reports submitted by the referee and other match officials. The soccer body can suspend players and team officials and fine national federations under provisions of its disciplinary code covering offensive conduct, violations of fair play and behavior that brings soccer or the governing body into disrepute.
Paredes was initially reported as having received a red card after the final whistle for pushing García in the throat. The red card was later removed from the official match record, leaving Enzo Fernández as Argentina's only officially dismissed player after he received a second yellow card during second-half stoppage time.
The potential investigation comes days after FIFA began disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over a banner displayed by players following their 2-1 semifinal victory over England.The banner expressed support for Argentina's claim to the Malvinas Islands, which Britain administers and calls the Falkland Islands.
Penalties for violent conduct or serious misconduct can include suspensions and fines. FIFA previously used provisions of its disciplinary code in 2023 to ban former Spanish football federation President Luis Rubiales from all soccer-related activity for three years.
Uruguay striker Luis Suárez was suspended from all soccer-related activity for four months after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 World Cup.
The incidents involving Argentina added to a series of controversies surrounding the tournament.
The Telegraph reported that Aleksander Čeferin, president of the Union of European Football Associations, or UEFA, declined to attend the final. UEFA governs soccer in Europe, while FIFA oversees the sport worldwide.
According to the newspaper, the absence of a UEFA president from a World Cup final was unprecedented and reflected the deteriorating relationship between Čeferin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Čeferin also serves as a FIFA vice president.
The Telegraph said Čeferin's decision followed several disputes during the tournament, including President Donald Trump's public acknowledgment that he asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review -- and ultimately reverse -- the suspension of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun.