FIFA launched a formal investigation on July 20, 2026, following violent physical altercations between Argentine and Spanish players after Spain's 1-0 extra-time World Cup final victory at MetLife Stadium.
World football's governing body confirmed its disciplinary committee assigned an ethics prosecutor to review potential conduct breaches.
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The violence erupted immediately after the final whistle, featuring punches, kicks, and physical confrontations between opposing squads.
Incidents on the Pitch
Substitute Nahuel Molina struck Spanish captain Rodri during pitch celebrations before squaring up to him.
Leandro Paredes also kicked Eric Garcia, grabbed his throat, and threw Gavi to the turf, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala was filmed striking Dani Olmo.
Argentina's head coach tried to restore order on the pitch before addressing the media about the team's behavior.
"We are gracious in victory, and we must be so in defeat," said Lionel Scaloni.
Former players and commentators strongly criticized the South American team's conduct during broadcast coverage.
"Paredes threw two or three haymakers into someone's face," said Alan Shearer, former England captain. "He went for them.
There is no place for that."
Shearer highlighted the repeated nature of these post-match outbursts from the squad.
"We know how much it means to them and we know how much it hurts to lose, but there is a way to lose," said Shearer.
"Too many times we have seen that from Argentina. The reaction after the final whistle is terrible."
