Official: Argentina stars Paredes and Roma’s Molina banned for World Cup Final brawl
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: Leandro Paredes #5 of Argentina and Eric Garcia #4 of Spain have words after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
FIFA has announced strong punishment for Argentina after the World Cup Final with Spain, including a 10-match ban for Leandro Paredes and seven-game suspension for new Roma signing Nahuel Molina.
The incidents marred the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, with most of the clashes occurring after the final whistle in New Jersey.
Argentina lost their heads
Former Roma and Juventus midfielder Paredes was at the centre of the brawl, and he has been hit hardest with a 10-match suspension and fine of $90,000.
Molina, who at the time was owned by Atletico Madrid and has since moved to Roma, will not play the next seven Argentina international fixtures and was also fined $90,000.
Thiago Almada received a one-game ban and was fined $30,000, while Pablo Martin Paez Gavira is suspended for one match and fined $30,000.
Team official Roberto Ayala is banned for three games and fined $30,000. In his playing career, he was in Serie A with Napoli and Milan.
Argentina will also have to play their next two home matches with at most a 50 per cent full stadium, and the federation is fined.
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