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Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been hit with a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine by FIFA over his conduct following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
FIFA announced the punishment on Friday, weeks after opening disciplinary proceedings against several Argentina players and officials over incidents that followed the final whistle at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.
Paredes was among the Argentina players involved in the confrontation with their Spanish opponents after Spain secured a 1-0 victory after extra time to lift the World Cup.
The midfielder’s 10-match suspension represents a significant setback for Argentina, as Paredes will be unavailable for the national team across the matches covered by the FIFA disciplinary ruling.
FIFA had earlier opened proceedings over the post-match incidents involving several members of the Argentina camp. Players implicated included Paredes, Nahuel Molina and Thiago Almada, while Argentina official Roberto Ayala was also involved.
Spain’s Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, popularly known as Gavi, was also among those involved in the confrontation following the final.
The disciplinary action comes after a tense conclusion to the World Cup final, in which Spain edged Argentina 1-0 after extra time to claim the title.
FIFA’s latest decision therefore adds a lengthy international ban and financial penalty to the fallout from an incident that overshadowed the closing moments of the tournament.
