FIFA imposes 17‑match bans on Argentina’s Paredes, Molina

FIFA announced on 21 August 2026 that Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10‑match suspension and teammate Nahuel Molina a seven‑match ban, totalling SEVENTEEN matches, for violent conduct at the World Cup final, while also levying fines and stadium sanctions linked to a Falklands banner.

By Bobby Manzi of Football, the disciplinary action follows a tournament in which Argentina were condemned for thuggish antics, prompting a FIFA investigation after the final whistle of last month’s showpiece where they were beaten 1‑0 by Spain.

Violent climax at full time

At the end of the final, Leandro Paredes grabbed Spain’s Eric Garcia by the neck, then punched Gavi in the face and pushed him to the ground, actions described as appalling scenes at full time.

Nahuel Molina also entered the fray, striking Spain captain Rodri in the torso as he ran past, an incident that led FIFA to hand Molina a seven‑match ban.

In addition, Argentina’s Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi each received a one‑match suspension for their roles in the unsporting scenes.

FIFA sanctions and financial penalties

The bans mean Paredes will miss Argentina’s next ten matches and Molina seven, together accounting for SEVENTEEN matches missed, while Paredes was fined £65,000.

FIFA also imposed a two‑match partial stadium closure, cutting crowd capacity to 50 percent for Argentina’s next two home games, although one of those matches is suspended.

Overall fines total £235,000, of which £73,000 is suspended, a sum dwarfed by the £25 million prize money Argentina earned as runners‑up in North America.