Argentina's Paredes banned for 10 games after World Cup clashes

What the report says

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been banned for 10 matches by FIFA over his role in on-field clashes that followed his country’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, according to BBC Sport Football. Team-mate Nahuel Molina received a seven-match suspension, while Spain midfielder Gavi and Argentina’s Thiago Almada were each given one-match bans and fines. Argentina coaching staff member Roberto Ayala was also sanctioned with a three-match suspension and a fine.

BBC Sport reported that FIFA’s disciplinary committee also fined the Argentina Football Association $321,000 for rule breaches tied to the use of a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters. Part of that penalty has been suspended, and FIFA ordered that $100,000 be used for anti-discrimination work. Argentina must also play its next two home matches with reduced stadium capacity, although one match of that sanction is suspended.

The case follows FIFA’s review of incidents after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where players and staff from both teams were involved in altercations. BBC Sport also noted that the disciplinary action comes after separate controversy during the tournament, when several Argentina players displayed a banner claiming sovereignty over the Falkland Islands after beating England in the semi-final. The sanctions matter because they affect key players, carry financial penalties, and reinforce FIFA’s handling of post-match misconduct and discriminatory behaviour.