FIFA Opens Case on Assault by Argentina Squad Members Related to 2026 World Cup Final

Argentina must prepare for a punishment from FIFA following riots and several other violations at the 2026 World Cup (Instagram/@afaseleccion).

JAKARTA - FIFA has opened a disciplinary process for the case of an attack by Argentine players, Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, related to a clash with Spanish players after the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey.

After a week-long investigation into the events that marred the celebrations after the match at MetLife Stadium, FIFA has also opened a series of legal proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for alleged violations of regulations during several matches at the tournament.

Argentine player Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi have also been charged with unsporting behavior.

However, the legal process opened against Paredes, Molina, and Ayala is the most serious and relates to clashes on the field with Gavi, Rodri, and Dani Olmo.

If found guilty, Paredes, Molina, and Ayala are likely to face lengthy suspensions.

"In accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the parties involved have now been given the opportunity to present their positions. After that, the decision will be issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course," FIFA said in a statement.

AFA's legal proceedings relate to inappropriate singing and messages, including those containing political references to the Falkland Islands, which Argentina claims as Islas Malvinas but is controlled by Great Britain.

The Argentine players unfurled a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" which means "the Malvinas Islands belong to Argentina" before leaving it on the pitch after their victory over England in the semi-final.

AFA is also facing an investigation over allegations of racist abuse.

"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened legal proceedings against the Argentine Football Association for potential violations of Article 13, Paragraph 2 c) (using a sporting event for demonstrations that are not sports in nature), Article 14, Paragraph 5 (team misconduct), Article 15 (discrimination and racist harassment), and Article 17 (order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code in relation to discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-off, failure to comply with the match protocol and security, inappropriate message display by the team and spectators, and throwing objects by spectators related to several matches of the Argentina representative team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup," added the FIFA statement.

Argentina were beaten 0-1 by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final after extra-time goals from Ferran Torres. Lionel Scaloni's side are attempting to become the first two-time World Cup champions since Brazil in 1962.