FIFA have banned Leandro Paredes for 10 competitive matches and fined Argentina following a series of incidents at the 2026 World Cup — including post-match brawls after the final and the display of a politically charged banner after the semi-final.

Paredes and team-mates punished for final fallout

Paredes received the heaviest sentence after ugly scenes erupted at the end of Argentina's extra-time defeat to Spain in New York/New Jersey. The midfielder grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat and shoved Spain substitute Gavi to the ground, earning a red card for violent conduct on the night.

Paredes' team-mate Nahuel Molina has been suspended for seven matches after he attempted to knock over Rodri as the Spain captain ran past him in the aftermath of the final whistle.

Thiago Almada received a one-game ban for his involvement, while Argentina coach Roberto Ayala has also been handed a one-match suspension after he attempted to strike Spain's Dani Olmo. Gavi, too, has been penalised with a one-game ban for his part in the chaos.

The flashpoint came at the end of a volatile contest that had already seen Enzo Fernandez dismissed with a red card during the match itself.

Falklands banner and fan behaviour add to Argentina's woes

Argentina were separately sanctioned for events following their 2-1 semi-final victory over England. During the celebrations at the Atlanta Stadium, players held up a banner reading Las Malvinas son Argentinas — "The Falklands are Argentine" — a political reference to the self-governing British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. The banner was placed on the pitch in front of the Argentina supporters' end and remained there for several minutes before a player folded it and handed it to a member of the backroom staff.

FIFA's regulations strictly prohibit political messaging at all matches, and the $321,000 fine issued to Argentina was also connected to incidents of discrimination and racist abuse by their supporters.

Financial and sporting consequences

Argentina, who received $34 million in prize money from the tournament, face a multi-pronged punishment. Of the total fine, $100,000 must be directed toward anti-discrimination campaigns, and a further $100,000 of the sanction has been suspended. In addition, Argentina have been ordered to host their next two home fixtures with crowds capped at 50 percent of stadium capacity.