FIFA Hands Out Bans for World Cup Final Brawl: Paredes Gets 10 Matches
FIFA has confirmed suspensions and fines for the brawl that broke out after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, with Leandro Paredes banned for 10 international matches.
FIFA confirmed on Friday the sanctions for the brawl that broke out at MetLife Stadium seconds after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Five people were punished: four players and one member of Argentina's coaching staff.
Leandro Paredes was hit hardest, with a 10-match international ban. Nahuel Molina received seven.
How it started
The trouble began the instant the final whistle went. Molina body-checked Rodri, who had been substituted and had walked onto the pitch to celebrate. The Barcelona midfielder got up to confront him, and Borja Iglesias and Eric Garcia followed in on the Roma full-back.
Paredes then joined and the situation escalated. He shoved Gavi, who was also targeted by Thiago Almada, before grabbing the Barcelona playmaker by the neck and throwing him to the ground. Eric Garcia was on the receiving end of the same treatment.
Lionel Scaloni and Walter Samuel, the former centre-back now on Argentina's staff, tried to pull people apart. Another of Scaloni's assistants went the other way: Roberto Ayala was seen assaulting Dani Olmo, and has been punished for it.
The sanctions in full
| Name | Suspension | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Leandro Paredes | 10 international matches | $90,000 |
| Nahuel Molina | 7 international matches | $90,000 |
| Roberto Ayala (coaching staff) | 3 matches | $30,000 |
| Thiago Almada | 1 international match | $30,000 |
| Gavi | 1 international match | $30,000 |
What it means
Paredes, of Boca Juniors, misses the bulk of Argentina's next international cycle. Molina's seven matches cover most of the same window. Ayala's three-game staff ban keeps him out of the technical area rather than off the pitch.
For Spain, only Gavi was sanctioned, and a single match is the lightest penalty issued.
Key facts at a glance
- FIFA announced the punishments on Friday 21 August 2026.
- Paredes and Molina drew the heaviest bans, 10 and seven international matches, with $90,000 fines each.
- Almada and Gavi were given one match and $30,000 each.
- Ayala is the only non-player sanctioned: three matches and $30,000.
- Fines across the five total $270,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who received the heaviest punishment?
Leandro Paredes, with a 10-match international ban and a $90,000 fine.
How many people were sanctioned?
Five: Paredes, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada and Gavi as players, plus Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala.
Was anyone from the coaching staff banned?
Yes. Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension in his role as a staff member and a $30,000 fine.
How did the brawl start?
Nahuel Molina body-checked Rodri, who had been substituted and had come onto the pitch to celebrate, immediately after the final whistle.
Was a Spain player punished too?
Yes. Gavi received a one-match international ban and a $30,000 fine, the same sanction as Thiago Almada.
When did FIFA announce the sanctions?
On Friday 21 August 2026.
