By USHUKON DANIEL
Argentina could face disciplinary action from FIFA after chaotic scenes overshadowed the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with several players and members of the coaching staff coming under scrutiny following the team’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain.
What should have been remembered as Spain’s second World Cup triumph descended into disorder after the final whistle as celebrations gave way to pushing, shoving and confrontations involving players from both sides. FIFA’s disciplinary committee is expected to review the incidents using match reports and video footage, raising the prospect of retrospective sanctions.
The confrontation began as Spain celebrated their victory, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Rodri running past Argentina defender Nahuel Molina. Television footage appeared to show Molina swinging at Rodri before both players confronted one another.
As players from both teams rushed in, Spain defender Cristhian Garcia attempted to calm the situation. Broadcast footage later appeared to show Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes knocking Garcia to the ground before appearing to jab him in the throat after he regained his footing. The incident is expected to be among those examined by FIFA.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni stepped in to restore order, but the confrontation continued. Paredes was later involved in another clash with Spain midfielder Gavi, who fell to the ground during the melee. Broadcast footage also appeared to show Argentina assistant coach Daniel Ayala striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo as tempers flared.
Although the referee dealt with incidents observed during the match, FIFA’s disciplinary code allows its disciplinary committee to review video evidence after games and impose sanctions where conduct is found to have breached its regulations.
Paredes is expected to be at the centre of FIFA’s review, while Molina and Ayala could also face disciplinary proceedings if the governing body determines that their conduct violated its rules.
Argentina may also face consequences beyond individual punishments. FIFA’s disciplinary code permits action against a national football association where a team’s conduct brings the game into disrepute or where multiple disciplinary offences occur during a match.
Football has witnessed similar cases at previous World Cups. Uruguay striker Luis Suárez received a nine-match international suspension and a four-month ban from all football-related activities after biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 tournament. France captain Zinedine Zidane was also suspended after headbutting Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final.
The post-match disorder also overshadowed Lionel Messi’s final FIFA World Cup appearance, shifting attention from the end of one of football’s greatest international careers to the disciplinary questions surrounding Argentina’s conduct.
FIFA has yet to announce whether formal disciplinary proceedings have been opened, but the governing body is expected to review the incidents before deciding whether any players, officials or the Argentine Football Association should face sanctions.