Argentina players under FIFA scrutiny over post-final confrontation and Falklands banner

FIFA has launched an investigation into several Argentina players and a team official following incidents during and after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The disciplinary proceedings stem from Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in New York, where several Argentine players and staff confronted members of the Spanish team after the final whistle.

Among those facing investigation are Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Leandro Paredes and Argentina official Roberto Ayala. Spain’s Pablo Martin Paez Gavira was also involved in the confrontation.

FIFA said the individuals could face sanctions over alleged offences ranging from assault to unsporting behaviour.

The governing body is also reviewing events after Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final win over England, during which players displayed a banner stating, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”).

In its statement, FIFA said it would investigate potential violations involving the use of football matches for political or non-sporting demonstrations, team misconduct, discrimination, racist abuse, and breaches of order and security regulations.

The investigation further covers “discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators and the throwing of objects by spectators in relation to several matches of the representative team of Argentina at the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

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