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FIFA is launching an investigation into the altercations that broke out on the pitch after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Final at New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Spain beat Argentina, the 2022 World Cup champions, 1-0 in extra time after Ferran Torres finally got the ball past Emiliano Martínez’s goal line.
After the final whistle blew, several brawls broke out between players, and even coaches appeared to get involved.
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Players scuffle after a foul by Leandro Paredes of Argentina on Rodri of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19, 2026. (Maddie Meyer/FIFA)
Among them was Argentina’s Leandro Paredes appearing to grab Spain’s Eric García by the throat before others started shoving and tripping each other to the turf.
“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents,” a statement from the governing organization read.
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Paredes ended up getting a red card after the whistle blew and was sent off the pitch. He was also shown a yellow card for a poor tackle shortly after he substituted in for his country in the second half.
Also, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni was seen being held back by a Spanish player while he was shouting toward someone. Nicola Otamendi also exchanged words with several Spain players, including their captain Rodrí before that skirmish was broken up.
There also seemed to be a moment where Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala approached Spain’s Dani Olmo and punched him on the chin before they were pulled away from one another.
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, N.J. (Pamela Smith/AP)
“We are gracious in victory, and we must be so in defeat,” Scaloni said, via ESPN. “We accept the loss; we gave everything. We were stretched thin coming into this, but giving it your all, like they did today, sets a great example for our people and our country.
“You lose, and you have to pick yourself up again.”
Many were quick to rip into Argentina for the brawls that ensued after losing, including BBC’s Joe Hart.
“There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players,” he said, via Goal.com. “The game’s done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behavior.”
Spain and Argentina players scuffle after Spain won the World Cup final against Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19, 2026. (Mauro Pimentel/AFP)
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What exactly might happen from FIFA’s investigation? Well, Paredes’ chokehold on the Spanish player would result in an automatically applied red card. Nahuel Molina and Ayala are both expected to be investigated as well.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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