FIFA investigating on-pitch brawl after Spain vs Argentina World Cup final

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that FIFA has opened an investigation into a confrontation involving Argentina and Spain players after the World Cup final in New Jersey, United States. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time, winning a second world title and ending Argentina’s run as reigning champions, but the post-match scenes were overshadowed by a brawl on the pitch.

According to Al Jazeera, FIFA said on Monday that its disciplinary committee had reviewed match reports and appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to examine possible breaches of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The governing body said findings would be released after the process is complete. It was not clear from the report when the inquiry will end or whether sanctions will follow.

The incident reportedly began around the final whistle, as some players reacted to the result while others became involved in confrontations. Al Jazeera cited video showing Argentina’s Leandro Paredes shoving Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and then pushing substitute Gavi to the ground after Gavi intervened. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was reported to have stepped in, while Spain’s Lamine Yamal was seen kneeling in prayer as disorder unfolded nearby. Al Jazeera also noted a warm post-match embrace between Yamal and Lionel Messi despite the wider tension.

The report adds that FIFA is already assessing a separate incident involving Argentine players displaying a political banner after their semifinal win over England. Together, the cases place further scrutiny on discipline and conduct at the end of high-profile World Cup matches.