The FIFA World Cup 2026 final ended in chaos as Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was involved in a confrontation with Spanish players after the final whistle. Following their 0-1 defeat to Spain at the New York-New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, Argentine players clashed with members of the Spanish team who were celebrating their victory. Cameras captured Paredes appearing to strike Eric Garcia in the throat, which led to commentators reporting that the midfielder received a red card.
Event Context
A report from the BBC reveals that the red card given to Paredes was subsequently rescinded, with FIFA confirming that no disciplinary measures were taken at the time. Reports had mistakenly indicated in FIFA’s commentator information system that Paredes was ejected by referee Slavko Vincic for allegedly pushing Garcia by the throat.
In response to the events following the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, FIFA has established a disciplinary committee and appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate the situation further.
According to Article 13 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, sanctions can be imposed for offensive conduct, breaches of fair play, and actions that tarnish the reputation of football or FIFA. While it seems unlikely that the Argentine players will face severe suspensions, the national team has drawn FIFA’s attention on multiple occasions in recent years.
Additionally, Argentina might encounter further scrutiny concerning a political banner displayed during their post-victory celebrations against England in the World Cup. Several players showcased a banner stating “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), a phrase that has led to penalties in the past. In fact, the Argentine Football Association was fined in 2014 for displaying a similar banner prior to an international friendly, and FIFA may also investigate the role of the players who held the banner.
Player Focus
Players or coaches who are found to be involved in the incident could face suspensions, and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also incur financial penalties. Following Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina, marked by Ferran Torres’ decisive goal, several members of the Argentine squad and their coaching staff were witnessed engaging in various confrontations with players from Spain. Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, Thiago Almada, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were among those reported to be involved.
Team Analysis
The tension escalated when Spain midfielder Rodri, who had just been substituted during extra time, ran onto the pitch to celebrate with his teammates. As he passed by Argentina defender Nahuel Molina, their brief contact ignited a confrontation. Teammate Garcia quickly stepped in to support Rodri, but Argentina’s Paredes joined in, seemingly striking Garcia in the throat amid the chaos.
The situation grew more heated when Spain substitute Gavi attempted to mediate, only to be knocked down by Thiago Almada. During this commotion, Paredes was seen pushing Gavi in the face, while Ayala appeared to seize Garcia by the throat and then appeared to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo, further exacerbating the conflict.
