FIFA fines Argentina Rs 3.64 crore, bans players after World Cup final chaos

FIFA has punished the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several members of Argentina's squad and coaching staff for disciplinary violations arising from the 2026 World Cup, including the confrontation that followed the final on July 19.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been ordered to pay $321,000 in fines after FIFA found multiple disciplinary violations during the World Cup. Among the incidents cited was a banner displayed by some Argentina players after their semi-final victory over England. The message read “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas”, translating to “The Falklands are Argentine”.

Argentina will also be required to play their next home fixture with the stadium operating at just 50 per cent of its normal capacity.

FIFA has suspended a further stadium-capacity restriction, along with 100,000 USD of the financial penalty,



for a probationary period. As part of the disciplinary measures, another 100,000 USD from the fine must be invested in an anti-discrimination programme.

The governing body has separately punished four members of Argentina's delegation for their involvement in the post-final altercations. A Spanish player has also received a disciplinary sanction in connection with the incident.

Leandro Paredes has received the heaviest punishment among the Argentina players, with the midfielder suspended for 10 matches and fined USD 90,000.

Defender Nahuel Molina has been banned for seven games and ordered to pay an additional USD 90,000 fine.

Forward Thiago Almada has been suspended for one match and fined USD 30,000, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala has received a three-match ban along with the same USD 30,000 financial penalty.