FIFA lodged disciplinary charges against multiple members of Argentina’s national team and its football federation following incidents at the 2026 World Cup, according to a statement from the governing body. The charges center on a post-match scuffle after Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final on July 19 as well as the display of a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” after the team’s semi-final win against England. FIFA specified that the federation faces a charge of using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature related to the banner, which references Argentina’s longstanding claim over the Falkland Islands.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three charges of assault stemming from the clashes with Spanish opponents immediately after the final, FIFA stated. Defender Nahuel Molina received two assault charges along with one count of unsporting behavior, while coach Roberto Ayala faces a single assault allegation and Thiago Almada was also cited for unsporting behavior. Spain midfielder Gavi received an unsporting behavior charge in connection with the same incident, the governing body reported.
Argentina players unfurled the Malvinas banner during celebrations after defeating England 2-1 in the semi-final, an action that prompted complaints from British government officials who urged FIFA to investigate. The governing body noted that the banner relates to the 1982 Falklands conflict in which Britain defeated Argentine forces. A BBC Sport report from earlier in the tournament indicated FIFA had previously fined the Argentine federation 20,000 pounds for players holding a similar banner before a friendly match.
The full list of cases opened by FIFA against Argentina also encompasses discriminatory chants and gestures by fans along with an alleged assault by an assistant coach after the final, according to the statement. Throwing of objects by spectators at several matches formed another element of the disciplinary proceedings. These additional breaches were grouped with the player and federation charges in the announcement released on July 30.
All parties charged have been given the opportunity to present their positions before the FIFA Disciplinary Committee issues a decision, the governing body said in its statement. The process follows standard FIFA procedures for reviewing potential violations during major tournaments. No timeline was provided for when the committee would conclude its review of the evidence submitted.
The incidents occurred during a World Cup that saw Argentina advance to the final before falling to Spain, with the semi-final clash against England carrying particular historical weight due to the nations’ past military conflict. FIFA’s statement consolidated the various breaches into a single update covering the tournament’s disciplinary matters. The governing body has not commented further on potential sanctions pending the committee’s ruling.
