FIFA have issued a series of sanctions against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several individual players following disciplinary breaches during the 2026 World Cup, namely the post-match scuffle at the final on July 19. The AFA have been fined a total of $321,000 (£235k) for breaches involving discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and failures in match order and security. FIFA have also ordered Argentina to limit spectator capacity to 50% for their next home match. Argentina hit with substantial fine over World Cup fracas
The flags of Argentina and Spain on the pitch ahead of the 2026 World Cup final (Image credit: Getty Images) A second match capacity limit and $100,000 (£73k) of the fine have been suspended subject to a probationary period, while $100,000 of the total fine must be directed into an anti-discrimination plan. Individual suspensions have also been handed down to four members of the Argentine squad and staff following altercations at the end of the final.
Meanwhile, one Spanish player has been sanctioned. Spain’s Eric Garcia (L) in an altercation with Leandro Paredes (obscured) and Argentina national team boss Lionel Scaloni (C) (Image credit: Getty Images) Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes will serve a 10-match ban and pay a $90,000 (£66k) fine, while defender Nahuel Molina has been hit with a seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine. Argentina forward Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala were issued one-match and three-match suspensions respectively, with each receiving a $30,000 (£22k) fine. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Spain midfielder Gavi will serve a one-match suspension and has been ordered to pay a $30,000 fine, too. FIFA have confirmed that all match bans will be served during the respective national teams’ upcoming international fixtures this September and October.
All parties have 10 days to request a motivated decision prior to any potential appeal. Giovani Lo Celso (Image credit: Getty Images) It is understood that part of Argentina’s sanction relates to the players and supporters’ display of a Falklands banner following the team’s semi-final victory over England. Ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso was pictured with the flag in question, deemed by FIFA as an unsporting demonstration, before it was laid on the turf in front of Argentina fans.
