FIFA opens investigation into post-match brawl following 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina

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FIFA has confirmed that the unsavoury scenes that marred the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will be investigated. Several Argentina players, including Leandro Paredes, were involved in a fiery brawl seconds after the full-time whistle.

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In a statement on Monday, FIFA said: ”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.”

The ugly scenes occurred soon after referee Slavko Vincic whistled for full-time, prompting Spain's substitutes and staff members to race on to the pitch to celebrate their second World Cup win, after their nation's triumph in 2010.

Nahuel Molina was first seen extending his arm to impede Rodri, La Roja's captain, who subsequently confronted the Argentina full-back.

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Spain defender Eric Garcia then rushed across in an apparent attempt to diffuse the situation.

However TV footage showed Paredes rushing across to Garcia, sending him to the playing surface.

Despite one of the match officials attempting to step in, Garcia returned to his feet only for Paredes to then appear to grab him by the throat.

Several Argentina coaches, including head coach Lionel Scaloni, tried to calm Paredes but the midfielder next turned his attention to Gavi, with the Spain midfielder ending up on the ground.

Another Argentina substitute, Thiago Almada pulled Gavi's bib before Paredes threw him to the ground again.

During the match Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second booking in added time having fouled Pau Cubarsi.

Four other Argentina players were cautioned during a game in which Spain dominated but were denied repeatedly by Emiliano Martinez, the Argentina goalkeeper, until Ferran Torres netted in extra time to end their 2022 champions' stodgy resistance in New Jersey.

Spain returned home on Monday with more than a million fans taking to the streets of Madrid to celebrate their second world title. Argentina legend Lionel Messi, meanwhile, spoke of his "immense" pain after the defeat.

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