FIFA has opened an official investigation into the Argentine Football Association and a number of its players and staff after ugly scenes marred Spain’s World Cup success. The probe comes after bad-tempered scenes at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win their second World Cup title.
How the Final Fell Apart in Chaos
The game had been tense prior to the full-time whistle. Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández, at Chelsea, played the last stages of normal time with 10 men. Referee Slavko Vincic showed Enzo Fernández a second yellow card for a late foul on Spain’s Pau Cubarsí. It finished level at the end of normal time, and it took Ferran Torres in the 106th minute to decide it and give Spain their first World Cup since 2010.
What happened after the final whistle was just as remarkable as the result. A video shows Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina scuffling with Spain’s Eric García and Rodri, which led to a larger fight between the two sides. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also involved in the scuffle. The tension spilt into the trophy ceremony, with Spain’s players forming a guard of honour and applauding Argentina as they collected their runners-up medals, a gesture that Argentina’s squad did not return when Spain were presented with their gold medals and the trophy.
What FIFA said:
“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the final of the FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina, and in accordance with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC in relation to the post-match incidents.”
FIFA said in a statement confirming the probe on July 20.
FIFA is calling the investigation standard procedure, but the governing body has not said when it expects the prosecutor’s findings to be released. The investigation is also reported to look into Argentina’s behaviour in the semi-final and final, and could look into violent conduct on the pitch, behaviour at the medal ceremony and any political messaging associated with the squad.
Who Is Under Question
The names that are most linked to the investigation are Leandro Paredes, who was already expelled in the brawl for violent conduct, and Nahuel Molina, accused of hitting Rodri. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala is also under investigation after an alleged altercation with Spain’s Dani Olmo. Every red card in a match is reviewed by FIFA’s disciplinary committee, but the appointment of a dedicated prosecutor indicates a more serious, targeted look at the post-match conduct in particular.
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What happens next
The FIFA disciplinary process can result in sanctions against those involved, ranging from fines to multi-match suspensions, depending on how the prosecutor’s report describes the incidents and on Argentina’s disciplinary record at previous tournaments. For now, the story on the pitch is that Spain are world champions for a second time, Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi hugging warmly amid the chaos around them, as the lead-up to the trophy lift has been clouded by questions about what happened after the whistle blew.
Highlights
- 19 July 2026: Spain 1-0 Argentina (AET) MetLife Stadium, New Jersey Ferran Torres scores the winner in the 106th minute to send Spain through.
- Argentina finish the game with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez is sent off in stoppage time for a foul on Pau Cubarsi.
- Following the final whistle, a multi-player brawl ensues between Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala.
- Argentina’s players turned their backs on Spain’s medal ceremony instead of applauding the new champions.
- 20 July 2026: FIFA announces it has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate the incidents, in accordance with Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
