**Title: Argentina’s Paredes Receives 10-Game Ban Following World Cup Final Incident**
**Date: August 21, 2026**
FIFA has imposed significant penalties on three Argentine players following a series of altercations that occurred after the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. Among those penalized, midfielder Leandro Paredes received a notable 10-match suspension for his actions during the match's aftermath.
The incident unfolded moments after Argentina's defeat to Spain, where Paredes was involved in a physical confrontation with Spain's Eric Garcia and Gavi. Reports indicate that Paredes grabbed Garcia by the throat and pushed Gavi to the ground, actions that FIFA has classified as assault. The severity of Paredes' ban places it alongside some of the most stringent sanctions in World Cup history, reminiscent of the penalties faced by Uruguay’s Luis Suarez in 2014 for biting an opponent.
In addition to Paredes' suspension, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-game ban, while Thiago Almada was handed a one-game suspension. FIFA also levied fines against the players, with Paredes and Molina each facing fines of $90,000, and Almada being fined $30,000.
The implications of Paredes' 10-game suspension are significant, effectively sidelining him from the national team for nearly a year, as the FIFA calendar includes 10 matches through June 2027. Currently, there are no competitive fixtures scheduled, meaning that these matches could predominantly consist of friendlies.
Spain's Gavi also faced disciplinary action, receiving a one-game ban that will see him miss a Nations League match against England at Wembley on September 26.
In addition to player suspensions, Argentina's coach Roberto Ayala received a three-game ban and a $30,000 fine. The Argentine Football Federation itself was fined $110,000 for various infractions during the World Cup, which included players displaying a political banner related to the Falkland Islands after their semifinal victory over England, as well as discriminatory chants from fans.
FIFA has mandated that the Argentine federation allocate $100,000 towards antiracism initiatives as part of the penalties. Despite the financial repercussions, Argentina's football federation received $34 million in prize money from FIFA for their participation in the World Cup.
The federation has the option to appeal the sanctions imposed on the players and itself to FIFA, and potentially to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary.
The World Cup final, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for Argentina, was characterized by a tense atmosphere, with Spain's Ferran Torres scoring the only goal during the second period of extra time after Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez received a red card. The match highlighted Argentina's struggles, as they were largely outplayed and failed to create significant scoring opportunities.
As the situation develops, the Argentine football community will be closely watching the federation's response to the penalties and any potential appeals that may follow.