FIFA on Friday imposed a series of major disciplinary sanctions on Argentina following several incidents during the 2026 FIFA World Cup , in which the Lionel Messi-led side reached the final, only to lose out against Spain. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee on Friday banned Paredes for 10 matches and fined him USD 90,000 for his involvement in the post-match confrontation following Argentina’s World Cup final against Spain. Midfielder Leandro Paredes received the most severe punishment.
The AFA has additionally been ordered to play its next two home matches with attendance restricted to 50 per cent of stadium capacity. Leandro Paredes (player): a ten-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000. Nahuel Molina (player): a seven-match suspension and a fine of USD 90,000. Thiago Almada (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000. Roberto Ayala (team official): a three-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000. Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (player): a one-match suspension and a fine of USD 30,000.
FIFA said the discrimination-related breach stemmed from discriminatory chants and gestures by Argentina supporters during the tournament. Argentina defender Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match ban, while Thiago Almada and team official Roberto Ayala received shorter suspensions. Spain midfielder Gavi was also punished for his role in the incident. However, FIFA clarified that the implementation of one of those two match sanctions has been suspended for a probationary period.
