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FIFA is launching an investigation into the brawl that broke out on the pitch after Spain defeated Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final at the 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, several fights broke out between the players and even coaches seemed to get involved.
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Players argue after a foul by Leandro Paredes of Argentina on Rodri of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final between Spain and Argentina at the 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 Spain’s Eric García by the throat before others began pushing and tripping each other on the turf.
“Following an assessment of the 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 potential breaches of the FDC in relation to a statement from the post-match incidents.”
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Paredes ended up getting a red card after the whistle and was sent off. He was also booked for a bad tackle shortly after coming on for his country in the second half.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was also seen being held back by a Spanish player while shouting at someone. Nicola Otamendi also exchanged words with several Spanish players, including their captain Rodrí, before that skirmish was broken up.
There also appeared to be a moment when Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala approached Spain’s Dani Olmo and punched him on 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, NJ (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 when we got into this, but to give everything like they did today is a good example for our people and our country.
“You lose and you have to pick yourself back up.”
Many were quick to rip into Argentina for the brawl that ensued after the loss, including the BBC’s Joe Hart.
“There was one man on the pitch who had class and it was Lionel Messi who shook hands with every one of the Spanish players,” he said via Goal.com. “Game over. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behavior.”
Spain and Argentina players argue after Spain won the World Cup final against Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on July 19, 2026. (Mauro Pimentel/AFP)
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What exactly can happen from FIFA’s investigation? Well, Paredes’ chokehold on the Spanish player would result in an automatically imposed red card. Nahuel Molina and Ayala are both expected to be investigated as well.
