On Friday 21 August 2026, the International Football Federation (FIFA) announced a series of sanctions against the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) and several members of the selection, following several disciplinary incidents during the 2026 World Cup and after the final. In particular, AFA is fined US$321,000 overall and will have to play its next two home games with a stadium capacity limited to 50%.
The sanctions also concern several members of the Argentine delegation after the scenes recorded at the end of the final, won 1-0 by Spain. Leandro Paredes received ten suspension games and a $90,000 fine, while Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches and sentenced to the same fine. Roberto Ayala is suspended for three games and sentenced to $30,000 fine, while Thiago Almada gets a suspension match and the same fine. On the Spanish side, Gavi was also suspended for a match and fined $30,000.
According to FIFA, these sanctions are inter alia linked to aggressive and anti-sports behaviour and other violations of the disciplinary regulation. AFA may request detailed reasons for decisions and exercise its right of appeal. Sanctions do not prevent Argentina from participating in international competitions, but they may affect the next selection deadlines.
