FIFA investigates players' clash after World Cup final

FIFA opened a disciplinary investigation into a violent clash that occurred at the end of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on July 20, 2026. The confrontation involved several Argentina players and coaches clashing with members of the Spain team. Spain secured a narrow 1-0 victory with Ferran Torres scoring the only goal in the 106th minute, marking La Roja's second men's World Cup title.

The final, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, had already been disrupted due to Argentine indiscipline. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández received a red card from referee Slavko Vincic for a stoppage-time foul on Pau Cubarsí. Following the match, footage showed Argentina's Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina engaging in physical altercations with Spain’s Eric García and Rodri. Additionally, Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala appeared to strike Dani Olmo.

Tensions escalated when Molina confronted Rodri, leading to a verbal dispute instigated by his former Manchester City teammate Nicolás Otamendi. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and other players intervened in an attempt to defuse the situation. In the aftermath of the final, Leandro Paredes was seen scuffling with Eric García.

In response to these events, FIFA confirmed that it has initiated a disciplinary review to determine if there were any breaches of its Disciplinary Code (FDC) regarding the post-match incidents. A FIFA statement indicated that a Disciplinary and Ethics Prosecutor has been appointed to investigate the incidents. "Further details will be communicated by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee once the prosecutor's report has been completed," the statement read.

Notably, Enzo Fernández's dismissal made him the first player to receive a red card in a World Cup final since John Heitinga was sent off while playing for the Netherlands in the 2010 final against Spain in Johannesburg, South Africa.