
August 21st, 2026
FIFA banned three Argentina players on Friday for their actions after losing the World Cup final to Spain.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes received a 10-match ban for grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and pushing Gavi to the ground.
Defender Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven games, and Thiago Almada for one game.
FIFA also fined Paredes and Molina $90,000 each, and Almada $30,000.
The ban for Paredes is effectively a one-year expulsion from the Argentina team.
The FIFA calendar includes 10 national team games through June 2027, though all of them could be friendlies.
Spain’s Gavi was also banned for one game, which is a Nations League match against England on Sept. 26.
Argentina coach Roberto Ayala received a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine.
The Argentine Football Association was fined $110,000 for several incidents.
These included players carrying a political banner about the Falkland Islands after the semifinal win against England, and discriminatory chants by fans.
FIFA also ordered AFA to spend $100,000 on anti-racism projects.
Argentina received $34 million in World Cup prize money from FIFA.
AFA said it will appeal the longer sanctions and fines, and may later take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The on-field clashes came after Argentina lost a testy final where it was mostly outplayed.
Spain’s Ferran Torres scored the only goal in extra time.
FIFA also ordered Argentina to play its next home game in a stadium limited to 50% capacity.
August 21st, 2026

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