Argentina players could face bans from football after World Cup final as FIFA launch investigation

FIFA are launching an investigation into the violent scenes that occurred following Spain's 1-0 win over Argentina in the World Cup final.

Footage captured a number of clashes between the two sets of players, with Argentina's Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina at the forefront of the most serious of those incidents.

Paredes and Thiago Almada wrestled Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground after, in a separate incident, Paredes had grabbed the neck of defender Eric Garcia.

Molina appeared to aim a punch towards Rodri as he ran past to join in Spain's celebrations.

🚨🥊 Full scenes after final whistle.@MickyJnr__ 🎥 pic.twitter.com/ZXCvAFkHwy

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2026

And Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi launched a furious tirade at Rodri over comments made by Spain's Aymeric Laporte in the pre-match build-up.

READ MORE: Every word of what Nicolas Otamendi said to Rodri in furious World Cup final exchange

There are also suggestions that Argentina coach and former defender Roberto Ayala hit out at Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.

During the match itself, Enzo Fernandez was sent off for two yellow cards, while Paredes was listed to have been sent off after the final whistle had gone.

FIFA have now stated that Paredes in fact was not shown a red card by referee Slavko Vincic, and have now removed the sanction from their official records.

But Paredes may get a more significant punishment in any case, with world football's governing body now investigating the fracas at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

FIFA said in a statement: "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 (FDC), 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.

"Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor's report has been completed."

What punishments could Argentina face?

Article 14 of FIFA's Disciplinary Code lists a series of sanctions that can be imposed on players and staff for various misdemeanors.

If a player is found guilty of violent conduct, they will receive a minimum suspension of three matches, while a three-match ban is also imposed for 'assault, including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting at or hitting an opponent or person other than a match official'.

It is noted that the ban will only be served when the specific team - in this case, of course, Argentina - is playing.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) could also face sanctions if it found that 'a national or club team conducts itself improperly'.

Players and officials may also be 'fined accordingly' if they are found to have committed one of the above offences, and FIFA reserve the right to impose further disciplinary measures if necessary.

FIFA are already exploring possible disciplinary action relating to Argentina's 2-1 semi-final victory over England.

After the match, a number of players held up a banner which read 'Las Malvines son Argentinas', which translates as 'The Falklands are Argentine'.

The Falkland Islands are under British control, and islanders voted 99.8 per cent in favour of the continuation as a British Overseas Territory.

Argentine forces invaded and occupied the Falkland Islands in 1982, but surrendered after 74 days of fighting in the Falklands War against Britain and the islands returned back to British control. Despite this, Argentina continues to dispute the sovereignity of the Islands.