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FIFA is launching an investigation into altercations that broke out on the field after Spain defeated 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 extra time after Ferran Torres finally got the ball past Emiliano MartÃnez’s goal line.
After the final whistle, several fights broke out between players and even the coaches seemed to get involved.
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Players fight after a foul by Leandro Paredes of Argentina on Rodri of Spain during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, 2026. (Maddie Meyer/FIFA)
Among them was Argentine Leandro Paredes who appeared to grab Spaniard Eric Garcia by the neck before others began pushing and tripping each other onto the grass.
“Following an evaluation of match reports relevant to the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in accordance with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (CDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Commission has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate possible violations of the CDC with respect to post-match incidents,” read a statement from the governing organization.
SPAIN BEATS ARGENTINA TO WIN 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP BEHIND FERRAN TORRES’ GOAL IN EXTRA TIME
Paredes ended up receiving a red card after the whistle blew and was sent off the field. He also received a yellow card for a poor tackle shortly after substituting for his country in the second half.
Additionally, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni was seen being held down by a Spanish player while yelling at someone. Nicola Otamendi also exchanged words with several Spain players, including their captain RodrÃ, before that skirmish broke up.
There also appeared to be a moment when Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala approached Spaniard Dani Olmo and punched him on the chin before they were separated from each other.
Referee Slavko Vincic of Slovenia shows a yellow card to Argentine Leandro Paredes during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Pamela Smith/AP)
“We are kind in victory and we must be kind in defeat,” Scaloni said via ESPN. “We accepted the loss; we gave everything. We were under a lot of pressure coming into this, but giving everything, like they did today, is a great example for our people and our country.
“You lose and you have to get up again.”
Many were quick to criticize Argentina for the brawling that ensued after losing, including the BBC’s Joe Hart.
“There was a man on the pitch who had class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook the hand of every one of those Spanish players,” he said via Goal.com. “The game is over. They could have 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’ choke on the Spanish player would result in an automatically applied red card. Nahuel Molina and Ayala are also expected to be investigated.
