2026 WC: Could Argentina face action after post-final trouble?

Argentina are likely to face a Fifa investigation following ugly scenes at the end of the World Cup final. Fifa had already begun the process of potential disciplinary action against Argentina when their players held a banner in support of their country's claims to the Falkland Islands following the 2-1 semi-final win against England. After the 1-0 defeat on Sunday, members of the Argentina team and backroom staff were involved in altercations with Spain players as they began to celebrate their World Cup success. Any player or coach involved in the fracas at the MetLife Stadium could face suspensions, while the Argentine Football Association (AFA) may also be fined.

It was initially reported by Fifa that Argentina's Leandro Paredes had been sent off by referee Slavko Vincic after he pushed Spain's Eric Garcia by the throat. Paredes' red card was removed from the record shortly afterwards and there is now no evidence of any disciplinary action being taken at the time. Argentina had already had one player dismissed, with Enzo Fernandez receiving a second yellow card in second-half stoppage time. Fifa's disciplinary committee will now await the official match reports before taking any action. As the final whistle blew in New Jersey, a few Argentina players - including Lionel Messi - slumped to the turf. Rodri, who had been substituted in extra-time, ran over from the dugout to join his team-mates.