FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings into the post-match altercation that erupted between players from Spain and Argentina following the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, as the governing body investigates possible breaches of its disciplinary code.
The world football governing body confirmed on Monday that its Disciplinary Committee had appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to examine incidents that unfolded immediately after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to claim their second FIFA World Cup title.
In a statement, FIFA said it had reviewed the official match reports before deciding to launch a formal inquiry.
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“FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code with regard to the post-match incidents.”
The organisation added that further information would be released after the investigation is completed.
Spain’s historic triumph was briefly overshadowed by heated confrontations that broke out moments after the final whistle. While several Spanish players celebrated the victory and Argentine players reacted emotionally to the defeat, tensions quickly escalated into physical exchanges involving members of both squads.
Television footage circulating online appeared to show Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes grabbing Spanish defender Eric Garcia around the neck before substitute Gavi intervened in an attempt to calm the situation. Paredes was then seen pushing Gavi to the ground before Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni rushed onto the pitch to separate the players.
Despite the tensions, there were moments of sportsmanship after the match. Lamine Yamal embraced Argentina captain Lionel Messi, while Spain’s players applauded the runners-up as they collected their silver medals.
However, Argentina’s players did not reciprocate as Spain received their winners’ medals and lifted the World Cup trophy.
FIFA has not indicated when the disciplinary investigation will conclude or whether sanctions will be imposed.
The latest inquiry comes days after another FIFA review involving Argentina over players displaying a political banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” following their World Cup semi-final victory over England.
The governing body said it will announce the outcome of both disciplinary processes after completing its investigations.
