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FIFA is opening an investigation into altercations that broke out on the field after Spain’s victory over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Spain beat 2022 World Cup champions Argentina 1-0 in overtime after Ferran Torres finally slotted the ball past Emiliano Martínez’s goal line.
After the final whistle, several fights broke out between the players, and even the coaches seemed to get involved.
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Players scuffle after a foul by Argentina’s Leandro Paredes on Spain’s Rodri during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on July 19, 2026. (Maddie Meyer/FIFA)
Among them was Argentina’s Leandro Paredes who appeared to grab Spaniard Eric García by the throat before others began to jostle and trip each other on the field.
“Following an assessment of relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in accordance with Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the FDC regarding post-match incidents,” a statement from the governing body read.
SPAIN DEFEAT ARGENTINA TO WIN 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP BEHIND FERRAN TORRES’ OVERTIME GOAL
Paredes ended up receiving a red card after the whistle and was sent off the field. He also received a yellow card for a bad tackle shortly after replacing his country in the second half.
Additionally, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was seen being held by a Spanish player while shouting at someone. Nicola Otamendi also exchanged words with several Spanish players, including their captain Rodrí, before this skirmish was interrupted.
There also appears to have been a moment when Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala approached Spaniard Dani Olmo and punched him in the chin before they were pulled away from each other.
Referee Slavko Vincic of Slovenia shows a yellow card to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Pamela Smith/AP)
“We are gracious in victory, and we must be gracious in defeat,” Scaloni said via ESPN. “We accept the loss; we gave everything. We were at the end of our rope before this, but giving everything, as they did today, sets a great example for our people and our country.
“You lose and you have to get back up.”
Many rushed to Argentina for the brawls that ensued after the defeat, including the BBC’s Joe Hart.
“There was one man on the pitch who had class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players,” he said via Goal.com. “The game is over. They had absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behavior.”
Spain and Argentina players fight after Spain won the World Cup final against Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19, 2026. (Mauro Pimentel/AFP)
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What exactly could happen with the FIFA investigation? Well, Paredes’ chokehold on the Spanish player would result in a red card being automatically applied. Nahuel Molina and Ayala are also expected to be investigated.
