FIFA has launched formal disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following a series of incidents during the FIFA World Cup 2026, including a post-match altercation after the final against Spain.

The world governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor last week to examine events after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in July. Multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were involved in clashes with Spain players following the loss.

Individual charges

Acting on the prosecutor's recommendation, FIFA will investigate Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes on three counts of alleged assault under article 14 of FIFA's disciplinary code. Defender Nahuel Molina faces two counts of alleged assault under the same article, as well as one additional count of alleged unsporting behaviour.

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala is also under investigation for one count of alleged assault. Under FIFA's code, a conviction for unsportsmanlike conduct carries at least a one-match ban, while assault can result in a minimum three-match suspension.

Argentina forward Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are separately accused of alleged unsporting behaviour under the same article.

Association-level charges

The Argentine Football Association faces a broader set of proceedings covering alleged breaches across multiple matches during the tournament. The charges include using a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations (article 13), team misconduct (article 14), discrimination and racist abuse (article 15), and breaching order and security at matches (article 17).

The article 17 charges relate to discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, the display of inappropriate messages by players and spectators, and objects being thrown into the field of play.

Falklands banner controversy

One of the non-sporting demonstrations cited in the proceedings stems from Argentina's semi-final victory over England. Following that match, Argentina players celebrated while displaying a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" — "The Falklands are Argentine" — in reference to Argentina's long-standing territorial claim to the Falkland Islands.