Top News

Argentina’s heartbreak in the World Cup final has deepened with the looming threat of severe disciplinary action following an on-field brawl at the final whistle. FIFA has officially launched an investigation into the post-match scenes in New Jersey, where Leandro Paredes has emerged as the central figure in the controversy.

Chaos erupts after the final whistle

Spain’s 1-0 triumph to clinch the 2026 World Cup title was quickly overshadowed by a series of heated exchanges between players from both sides. The tension reportedly escalated when Nahuel Molina struck Rodri Hernandez as the Manchester City midfielder was celebrating the victory on the pitch.

This incident sparked a mass confrontation involving several members of the Argentine squad and their Spanish counterparts. Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni had to step in personally to try and calm his players and restore order.

Paredes became the focal point of the commotion, first jabbing Eric Garcia in the throat before turning his aggression towards Gavi. The 32-year-old midfielder was seen spinning the young Barcelona player to the ground and pushing him, prompting referee Slavko Vincic to send him off after the match had already concluded.

According to reports from major sports outlets such as ESPN and TyC Sports, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee is closely examining both the referee’s official report and high-definition video evidence. Should Paredes’ actions be deemed an act of deliberate violent conduct, he could face an extended international suspension covering multiple fixtures.

Lengthy suspension looms for Paredes

Under FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, such offences carry clearly defined punishments that could see the Boca Juniors midfielder sidelined for several months from international competition. The regulations specify that a player found guilty of violent behaviour may be suspended for “at least three matches for violent conduct”.

Footage of the incident has circulated widely, placing Paredes’ behaviour under intense scrutiny from FIFA’s governing authorities. Any suspension imposed by the Disciplinary Committee will apply to Argentina’s next official international fixtures.

FIFA investigation extends to Argentine coaching staff

Paredes is not the only member of the Argentine camp under review. FIFA has confirmed that its investigation will also cover the conduct of the entire team staff during and after the trophy presentation.

Reports indicate that assistant coach Fabian Ayala could face disciplinary action after footage appeared to show him striking Spain’s Dani Olmo and pushing Eric Garcia amid the chaos.

Nahuel Molina also remains under investigation for his initial strike on Rodri, which many observers believe ignited the “disgraceful brawl” that marred the final. FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently determining whether these confrontations were intentional or simply the result of the intense atmosphere surrounding the match.

A tarnished legacy for the Albiceleste

The fallout from the final carries broader implications, especially given Argentina’s previous disciplinary controversies during the tournament. FIFA had already been scrutinising the team’s post-match celebrations after their semi-final victory over England, during which players displayed a banner referencing the Falkland Islands. This pattern of behaviour may influence FIFA’s decision to impose stricter sanctions following the New Jersey final.

For Leandro Paredes, the incident represents a major setback in a career that once saw him reach the pinnacle of world football with Argentina’s triumph in Qatar 2022. While he continues to be adored at La Bombonera following his emotional return to Boca Juniors, his fiery temperament has once again brought trouble for the national team.