FIFA Hands Argentina's Leandro Paredes Massive 10-Game Ban Over World Cup Final Clashes with Spain

FIFA has issued severe punishments following post-match altercations at the 2026 World Cup final, handing Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a heavy 10-match suspension for striking Spain opponents. The punishment for Paredes—who grabbed Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat and pushed Gavi to the ground—ranks alongside Luis Suarez's 2014 sanction as one of the most severe in World Cup history.

Alongside Paredes, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-game ban, and Thiago Almada was handed a one-game suspension. Financial penalties were also levied, including $90,000 fines for both Paredes and Molina, and $30,000 for Almada. Because the FIFA calendar includes 10 matches through June 2027 which could all be friendlies, the suspension effectively acts as a one-year expulsion from the Argentina team.

Spain’s Gavi was given a one-game ban for a Nations League fixture against England at Wembley on September 26. Additionally, Argentina coach Roberto Ayala received a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine. The Argentina football federation was fined $110,000 for incidents including a political banner regarding the Falkland Islands and discriminatory fan chants, and was ordered to invest $100,000 into antiracism projects out of the $34m in World Cup prize money received from FIFA. The federation retains the right to appeal the sanctions to FIFA and potentially the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The on-field clashes, treated by FIFA as assault cases, followed a testy final where Spain defeated Argentina after a lone extra-time goal by Ferran Torres, following the red card given to Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez.