The 2026 World Cup final ended with unpleasant scenes when Leandro Paredes clashed with two Spanish players. Recently, the first penalty that FIFA handed to Argentina following this incident has been revealed.
Spain dominated Argentina for most of the match, to the point that the reigning champions could not manage a single shot on target in over 120 minutes, including extra time. La Roja secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal by Ferran Torres in the first minute of the second period of extra time. Argentina’s helplessness subsequently led to moments of tension.
It all started when Paredes shoved Eric García from behind. The Argentine midfielder then went on to grab the neck and shove the Spanish player once again. Gavi immediately stepped in to protect his teammate, and the situation grew even more tense.
Paredes grabbed Gavi’s shirt, threw the Spanish midfielder down to the pitch, and then unleashed a blow to the opponent’s face. Referee Slavko Vinčić intervened immediately, brandishing a red card to send off the Argentine midfielder. This red card also became the initial basis for FIFA to issue a fine to the Argentina national team.
According to TyC Sports, Leandro Paredes was sent off by referee Vinčić following the altercation with two Spanish players, Eric García and Gavi. Under Section III of the first appendix of the 2026 FIFA Disciplinary Code, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has received a preliminary fine worth $20,000.
However, that is not the entirety of the punishments Argentina faces after the 2026 World Cup final. In addition to the straight red card given to Paredes, Enzo Fernández was also sent off after receiving two yellow cards.
Argentina simultaneously received 5 more yellow cards, which went to Lisandro Martínez, Lionel Scaloni, Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Leandro Paredes, and Alexis Mac Allister.
Therefore, FIFA is expected to continue imposing further fines on the AFA. Argentina could have to pay $50,000 for the yellow cards, $15,000 for Enzo Fernández’s indirect red card, and an additional $15,000 due to team misconduct when 5 or more players are individually sanctioned in the same match.
Thus, following the 0-1 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, Argentina not only lost the championship but also faces a series of penalties from FIFA. The $20,000 fine for Paredes’ incident is the first penalty to be announced, while subsequent forms of disciplinary action may still be issued in the near future.
