FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several players and staff following incidents at the 2026 World Cup final and semifinal. The charges include assault, unsporting behavior, and the display of a political banner referencing the Falkland Islands.

The incidents occurred after the World Cup final on July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time. According to FIFA, several Argentine players and staff were involved in physical altercations with Spanish players. Specifically, Leandro Paredes faces three charges of assault, Nahuel Molina faces two charges of assault and one of unsporting behavior, and Thiago Almada faces charges of unsporting behavior. Additionally, assistant coach Roberto Ayala is charged with assault. On the Spanish side, player Gavi is being investigated for unsporting behavior.

The charges also include the display of a political banner by Argentine players after their 2-1 victory over England in the semifinal. The banner read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Falkland Islands are Argentine"), referencing the disputed territory in the South Atlantic. This is not the first time Argentina has faced disciplinary action for such a banner; in 2014, FIFA fined Argentina for displaying a similar banner before a friendly match against Slovenia.

FIFA has requested statements from all involved parties and will issue decisions following their responses. The British government had previously called for an investigation into the banner incident. FIFA's disciplinary committee will review the cases and issue a decision in due course.

The disciplinary proceedings also address other alleged violations, including discriminatory chants and gestures by fans, delayed kickoffs, and the throwing of objects by spectators at several matches involving the Argentine team. FIFA has stated that all charged individuals and entities will have the opportunity to present their positions before a decision is made.

The incidents have drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the World Cup and the historical sensitivity surrounding the Falkland Islands, which have been a subject of dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom since the 1982 conflict. The British government's involvement in calling for an investigation highlights the political dimensions of the issue.

FIFA's disciplinary committee is expected to review the evidence and statements from the involved parties before making a final decision on the matter. The outcomes of these proceedings could have implications for the players, staff, and the Argentine Football Association, potentially including fines, suspensions, or other disciplinary measures.

The charges against the Argentine players and staff stem from incidents that occurred immediately after the final whistle of the World Cup final. According to reports, the altercations involved pushing and shoving, with Paredes allegedly striking Gavi in the face and pushing him to the ground. The incidents were captured on camera and have been widely circulated in the media.

In addition to the on-field incidents, FIFA is also investigating the display of the political banner by Argentine players following their semifinal victory over England. The banner, which referenced the Falkland Islands, is seen as a political statement and violates FIFA's regulations on the use of sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations.

The disciplinary proceedings are expected to be concluded in the coming weeks, with FIFA's disciplinary committee set to issue a decision after reviewing all the evidence and statements from the involved parties. The outcomes of these proceedings could have significant implications for the players, staff, and the Argentine Football Association, potentially including fines, suspensions, or other disciplinary measures.

FIFA has emphasized that all parties involved will have the opportunity to present their positions before a decision is made. The organization has also stated that it is committed to upholding the integrity of the sport and ensuring that all participants adhere to the rules and regulations governing international football competitions.

The incidents have drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the World Cup and the historical sensitivity surrounding the Falkland Islands. The British government's involvement in calling for an investigation highlights the political dimensions of the issue and underscores the importance of adhering to FIFA's regulations on political statements at sporting events.

The disciplinary proceedings are expected to be concluded in the coming weeks, with FIFA's disciplinary committee set to issue a decision after reviewing all the evidence and statements from the involved parties. The outcomes of these proceedings could have significant implications for the players, staff, and the Argentine Football Association, potentially including fines, suspensions, or other disciplinary measures.

In the meantime, the Argentine Football Association and the players involved have not yet issued public statements regarding the charges. It is expected that they will respond to FIFA's requests for statements in the coming days.

The incidents have drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the World Cup and the historical sensitivity surrounding the Falkland Islands. The British government's involvement in calling for an investigation highlights the political dimensions of the issue and underscores the importance of adhering to FIFA's regulations on political statements at sporting events.

The disciplinary proceedings are expected to be concluded in the coming weeks, with FIFA's disciplinary committee set to issue a decision after reviewing all the evidence and statements from the involved parties. The outcomes of these proceedings could have significant implications for the players, staff, and the Argentine Football Association, potentially including fines, suspensions, or other disciplinary measures.

In the meantime, the Argentine Football Association and the players involved have not yet issued public statements regarding the charges. It is expected that they will respond to FIFA's requests for statements in the coming days.

The incidents have drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the World Cup and the historical sensitivity surrounding the Falkland Islands. The British government's involvement in calling for an investigation highlights the political dimensions of the issue and underscores the importance of adhering to FIFA's regulations on political statements at sporting events.

The disciplinary proceedings are expected to be concluded in the coming weeks, with FIFA's disciplinary committee set to issue a decision after reviewing all the evidence and statements from the involved parties. The outcomes of these proceedings could have significant implications for the players, staff, and the Argentine Football Association, potentially including fines, suspensions, or other disciplinary measures.

In the meantime, the Argentine Football Association and the players involved have not yet issued public statements regarding the charges. It is expected that they will respond to FIFA's requests for statements in the coming days.