The scenes that marred Argentina’s World Cup final defeat have finally reached their conclusion. FIFA has confirmed a wave of suspensions and fines against Argentine players and staff, with Leandro Paredes receiving one of the harshest individual punishments in World Cup history.
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World Cup Final: The Official Sanctions
FIFA banned three Argentina players, including a 10-match suspension for midfielder Leandro Paredes, for striking Spain opponents after losing the World Cup final, with the ban for grabbing Eric García by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground ranking alongside FIFA’s 2014 sanctions on Luis Suárez as among the most severe in World Cup history.
| Player/Staff | Nation | Ban | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leandro Paredes | Argentina | 10 matches | $90,000 |
| Nahuel Molina | Argentina | 7 matches | $90,000 |
| Thiago Almada | Argentina | 1 match | $30,000 |
| Roberto Ayala (Coach) | Argentina | 3 matches | $30,000 |
| Gavi | Spain | 1 match | $30,000 |
What This Actually Means for Argentina
Paredes’ ban is effectively a one-year expulsion from the Argentina national team, since FIFA’s calendar of national team fixtures runs 10 games deep through June 2027. Gavi’s single-match ban applies to Spain’s Nations League clash against England at Wembley on September 26.
Beyond the Individual Bans
FIFA disciplinary judges also ordered Argentina to play their next home fixture in a stadium capped at 50% capacity, while deferring a second stadium sanction and a $100,000 fine on probation. The Argentine Football Association was additionally fined $110,000 for a range of tournament incidents, including players displaying a political banner referencing the Falkland Islands after their semifinal win.
Why It Matters
With Paredes now sidelined for nearly a full year of international football, Argentina’s midfield transition takes on added urgency heading into their next World Cup qualifying cycle. Full disciplinary details are available on the official FIFA website.
For more World Cup fallout coverage and Argentina updates, check out our FIFA World Cup 2026 section on TechnoSports.
