The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has launched an investigation into the violent incidents that erupted immediately after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
ESPN reported on Tuesday that FIFA has begun investigating the clash between the Argentine team, including coaching staff, and the Spanish squad following the World Cup final.
Spain clinched a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup final on July 19 at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This marks Spain’s return to the top of world soccer after a 16-year drought since their 2010 triumph in South Africa.
The celebratory mood was marred when, after the final whistle, a brawl broke out with some Argentine players, including Leandro Paredes, striking Spanish players. Cameras also caught Argentina’s coach Roberto Ayala hitting Spain’s Dani Olmo, escalating tensions further.
Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni and other players quickly intervened to calm the situation.
The players involved in the altercation are likely to face disciplinary action, as FIFA has initiated a review to assess potential rule violations and determine if further measures are necessary.
In an official statement, FIFA announced that after reviewing reports related to the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed disciplinary and ethics prosecutors to investigate possible violations of FIFA’s disciplinary regulations, Article 36, concerning the post-match incidents.
The statement concluded by noting that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee will provide more details once the investigation report is finalized.