FIFA has launched formal disciplinary proceedings over the brawl between the Argentine and Spanish squads that erupted immediately after the 2026 World Cup final. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee said it has appointed disciplinary and ethics prosecutors to investigate the mass clash that broke out right after the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. As FIFA has gone beyond an internal review to appoint dedicated ethics prosecutors, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the players involved appear unlikely to avoid severe sanctions.
Argentina finished as runner-up after losing 0-1 to Spain in the final held on the 20th, Korea time. After the match ended, some Argentine players, including Leandro Paredes, physically assaulted the Spanish players by throwing punches.
The mass scuffle originated during the celebration of Spanish midfielder Rodri (Manchester City). Rodri, who had been substituted out and was on the bench, ran to share the joy with his teammates and passed by Argentine defender Nahuel Molina. At that moment, Molina threw a punch at Rodri's body, which became the trigger. When Rodri approached to protest, Molina instead charged aggressively, and the situation quickly escalated into a bench-clearing incident.
When Spain's Eric Garcia ran over to help his teammate, Leandro Paredes joined in and struck Garcia in the neck. On top of that, Argentine coaching staff member Roberto Ayala was caught on camera striking Spain's Dani Olmo. The situation was eventually contained after Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and officials from both teams rushed in to mediate.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, FIFA immediately began disciplinary proceedings. In an official statement, FIFA said, "After reviewing the match report of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, we have appointed disciplinary and ethics prosecutors to investigate whether the unfortunate incident that occurred after the match violated regulations under Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code." It added, "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee will announce further details once the report is completed."
