FIFA bans Paredes 10 games after Argentina-Spain final brawl
What's new: Argentina also faces a $321,000 fine and reduced home crowd capacity over fan abuse and a Falklands banner.
FIFA handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match international ban after postgame clashes in Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium. Teammate Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven matches, Thiago Almada for one, and coach Roberto Ayala for three. Spain's Gavi also drew a one-match ban. FIFA separately fined the Argentine Football Association $321,000 for disciplinary breaches tied to a Falkland Islands banner displayed after the semifinal against England, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters. Argentina must play its next home match at 50% capacity, with a second partial-closure sanction suspended. The AFA said it will appeal and, if needed, go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.