Leandro Paredes and Roma’s Nahuel Molina banned for World Cup final brawl

FIFA has delivered a severe crackdown on Argentina following the chaotic brawl that erupted after the 2026 World Cup Final against Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The governing body handed down a series of heavy sanctions, notably suspending Leandro Paredes for 10 international matches and imposing a seven-game ban on Nahuel Molina, who recently transferred to Roma.

The FIFA World Cup showdown, hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, ended in a tense 1-0 victory for Spain, but the drama escalated dramatically after the final whistle. Argentina’s players, unable to contain their frustration, ignited a violent altercation that has overshadowed the tournament’s conclusion.

At the heart of the controversy was former Roma and Juventus midfielder Leandro Paredes, who received the harshest punishment: a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine. Molina, then an Atletico Madrid player and now with Roma, was also sanctioned heavily with a seven-game suspension and a $90,000 fine. Additionally, Thiago Almada was sidelined for one game and fined $30,000, while Pablo Martin Paez Gavira received a similar one-match ban and $30,000 penalty.

The disciplinary measures extended beyond players, with Argentina’s team official Roberto Ayala, a former Serie A stalwart with Napoli and Milan, handed a three-match ban and fined $30,000. FIFA also imposed restrictions on Argentina’s home fixtures, mandating that their next two home games be played with no more than 50% stadium capacity, accompanied by a financial penalty to the federation.

This unprecedented disciplinary action reflects FIFA’s zero-tolerance stance on post-match violence, emphasizing the importance of discipline even on football's grandest stage. The sanctions not only disrupt Argentina’s immediate competitive prospects but also serve as a stark warning to national teams worldwide about maintaining composure under pressure.