Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been suspended for 10 international matches by FIFA following incidents after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.
FIFA announced the disciplinary decisions on August 21, 2026, following an investigation into events after the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the World Cup.
Paredes received the heaviest individual punishment arising from the post-match confrontation. FIFA handed the midfielder a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine.
The decision could keep Paredes away from the Argentina national team for a significant period, although the Argentine Football Association has said it intends to challenge the sanctions.
Why Did FIFA Suspend Leandro Paredes?
The punishment relates to the confrontation that developed following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
FIFA appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate the incidents. After reviewing the cases, its Disciplinary Committee announced sanctions against several players and an Argentina coaching staff member.
Paredes was sanctioned over his conduct involving Spanish players during the confrontation. Reports from Reuters and Gulf News state that incidents involving Eric Garcia and Gavi formed part of the case against him.
The final had already been an intense contest before Spain secured the championship through Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal.
Leandro Paredes Ban and Fine
FIFA’s punishment consists of two major sanctions:
| Punishment | Leandro Paredes |
|---|---|
| International suspension | 10 matches |
| Fine | $90,000 |
The suspension applies to international football rather than Paredes’ club matches. Associated Press reporting indicates that Argentina’s current international schedule could mean the suspension effectively keeps him out of national-team action for around a year.
That makes Paredes’ punishment particularly significant for Argentina as the team begins its post-World Cup period.
Nahuel Molina Also Receives Major Suspension
Paredes was not the only Argentina player punished.
Defender Nahuel Molina received a seven-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine.
Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada was given a one-match suspension and fined $30,000.
Spain midfielder Gavi was also suspended for one match and fined $30,000 for his involvement in the post-final incident.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala received a three-match suspension and a $30,000 fine.
FIFA World Cup Final Sanctions
| Player/Official | Team | Suspension | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leandro Paredes | Argentina | 10 matches | $90,000 |
| Nahuel Molina | Argentina | 7 matches | $90,000 |
| Thiago Almada | Argentina | 1 match | $30,000 |
| Roberto Ayala | Argentina | 3 matches | $30,000 |
| Gavi | Spain | 1 match | $30,000 |
These sanctions were announced after FIFA completed its assessment of the disciplinary cases connected with the tournament.
Argentina Football Association Fined $321,000
FIFA’s disciplinary action went beyond individual players.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was fined $321,000 over several breaches of FIFA’s disciplinary rules during the World Cup.
The cases included team misconduct, discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters, and the use of a sporting event for a non-sporting demonstration.
FIFA also ordered Argentina to play its next two home matches with attendance limited to 50% of stadium capacity.
However, part of this punishment is suspended. FIFA said one of those two restricted-attendance matches and $100,000 of the financial sanction are suspended subject to a probationary period.
FIFA additionally ordered that $100,000 of the $321,000 fine be invested in an anti-discrimination plan.
Argentina Plans to Appeal FIFA’s Decision
The disciplinary story may not be finished.
The Argentine Football Association has indicated that it intends to appeal the suspensions and financial penalties.
According to Reuters, the AFA plans to request the grounds for the decisions before filing appeals with FIFA’s Appeals Committee. The dispute could potentially progress further through football’s legal process if the sanctions are upheld.
That means Paredes’ 10-match suspension is the current FIFA ruling, but its final status could still change through the appeals process.
How Many Argentina Matches Will Paredes Miss?
As things currently stand, Paredes must serve a 10-match international suspension.
The punishment does not mean 10 club games. It concerns Argentina national-team matches.
Associated Press reported that Argentina’s international calendar contains around 10 games through June 2027, meaning the sanction could effectively remove Paredes from the national team for close to a year if it remains unchanged.
The exact matches ultimately missed could depend on Argentina’s schedule and the outcome of any appeal.
A Major Blow for Argentina After World Cup Defeat
The sanctions add another difficult chapter to Argentina’s World Cup final defeat.
Argentina entered the tournament as defending champions after winning the 2022 World Cup but lost the 2026 final 1-0 to Spain after extra time.
Now the national team must deal with lengthy suspensions for Paredes and Molina, alongside the other disciplinary measures imposed by FIFA.
Paredes’ absence is particularly notable because a 10-match international ban is unusually substantial for a senior national-team player.
What Happens Next?
The immediate focus will be on Argentina’s appeal.
Until FIFA’s disciplinary decision is changed or overturned, Leandro Paredes remains suspended for 10 Argentina matches and fined $90,000. Molina’s seven-match suspension and the other sanctions also remain in place.
Any successful appeal could reduce or alter the punishments, while an unsuccessful challenge would leave Argentina preparing for upcoming international fixtures without several sanctioned players.
For now, FIFA’s official ruling represents one of the biggest disciplinary stories to emerge from the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup final.
