FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings following the clashes that broke out after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York/New Jersey Stadium.
The world governing body said it had appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor under Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code after reviewing the referee's report and other relevant match documents. The prosecutor will investigate potential breaches of the code linked to the incidents that followed the final whistle.
“Following an assessment of the relevant match reports for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, and in line with article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC), the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of the FDC with regard to the post-match incidents,” FIFA said in a statement.
The governing body later confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had formally begun and said its disciplinary committee would decide on any further action after receiving the prosecutor's report.
Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title after substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time. Nico Williams headed Pedro Porro's cross into Torres' path, allowing the forward to beat Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and end Argentina's reign as world champions.
The celebrations were overshadowed by a series of confrontations involving players from both teams, while members of Argentina's coaching staff also appeared to become involved.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who came on in the second half, had already received a yellow card for a reckless challenge before being shown a red card after the final whistle. Television footage and videos shared on social media appeared to show him confronting Spain defender Eric García before the incident escalated into a wider melee. Some footage appeared to show Paredes grabbing García by the throat.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was also seen being restrained while shouting during the disturbances. Defender Nicolás Otamendi exchanged words with Spain captain Rodri before players and officials intervened. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala also appeared to become involved in one of the confrontations with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo before they were separated.
After the match, Scaloni called on his players to accept defeat with dignity.
“We are gracious in victory, and we must be so in defeat,” he said, according to ESPN. “We accept the loss; we gave everything. We were stretched thin coming into this, but giving it your all, like they did today, sets a great example for our people and our country.
“You lose, and you have to pick yourself up again.”
Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart also criticised Argentina's behaviour while praising Lionel Messi's conduct after the final.
“There was one man on the pitch who did have class and that was Lionel Messi, who shook hands with every one of those Spanish players,” Hart told the BBC, according to Goal.com. “The game's done. They could have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour.”
FIFA is also investigating Argentina over a separate incident following the semi-final victory against England, when players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”. The governing body is examining whether the display breached its regulations on political messages during FIFA competitions.
FIFA has not indicated when the investigation into either matter will be completed or whether any players, coaches or officials will face disciplinary sanctions. The organisation said any further action will depend on the findings submitted by the appointed prosecutor.
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