FIFA opens investigation into Argentina over 2026 World Cup final incidents

FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into Argentina over the final brawl, discriminatory chants by fans, and a political banner. Players could face fines and bans.

Scraper SystemJuly 30, 2026, 09:27 PM

FIFA opens investigation into Argentina over 2026 World Cup final incidents

FIFA Launches Disciplinary Investigation into Argentina

FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into Argentina's conduct during the 2026 World Cup final and their actions throughout the tournament. According to Al Jazeera, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and two of its players face various charges.

Final Brawl and Charges Against Players

The final, which Spain won 1-0 after extra time, descended into an on-field brawl at the final whistle. The melee began when Argentina's Leandro Paredes attacked Spain's Gavi, and Paredes now faces three separate assault charges. Teammate Nahuel Molina faces two assault charges, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala is being investigated for one.

Gavi, meanwhile, is charged with unsporting behavior, while Molina and Thiago Almada are also held responsible for similar unsporting conduct.

Political Banner Crisis

After Argentina's semi-final victory over England, players unfurled a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Malvinas Islands are Argentine). The slogan recalls the Falkland Islands dispute that led to war between Britain and Argentina in 1982. FIFA has charged the AFA with "using a sporting event for unsporting demonstrations." British government officials had also called for an investigation into the incident.

Charges Against Fans

FIFA has also included Argentine fans' "discriminatory chants and gestures" and "throwing objects from the stands in multiple matches" in the investigation. An Argentine fan telling Black American streamer IShowSpeed to "cry in the zoo" during a live broadcast had fueled racism debates. Hollywood star Samuel L. Jackson also described Argentina as "one of the most racist countries in the world" and urged people not to support Black people.

Possible Sanctions

If the charges against individual players are proven, Paredes could receive a multi-match ban, while Molina may face a lighter penalty. Assistant coach Ayala could be banned from the touchline or stadium for a certain number of matches. Unsporting behavior charges could result in shorter bans or warnings.

The AFA, meanwhile, could face sanctions such as a heavy fine, an official warning or reprimand, and an order to improve crowd control. International teams have previously been known to receive punishments like playing behind closed doors or with spectator restrictions.

Possibility of Ban from Future World Cups

While FIFA theoretically has the authority to ban Argentina from future tournaments, this scenario is considered extremely unlikely. For such a decision to be made, the offenses would need to be repeated. In the past, English clubs were banned from European competitions due to on-field incidents in the 1980s and 90s, but there is no precedent for a national team being banned from the World Cup or European Championship.

FIFA opens investigation into Argentina over 2026 World Cup final incidents

FIFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into Argentina over the final brawl, discriminatory chants by fans, and a political banner. Players could face fines and bans.