FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over Falklands banner, post-final brawl and fan misconduct at 2026 World Cup
FIFA announced on 29 July it had opened disciplinary cases against the Argentine Football Association and multiple players, citing a Falklands sovereignty banner shown after the semi-final and a violent confrontation following Spain's 1-0 extra-time final win.
The political banner
Shortly after Argentina beat England 2-1 in the semi-finals, players unfurled a hand-painted banner reading "Las Malvinas son argentinas" ("The Malvinas are Argentine"), referencing the British overseas territory the United Kingdom calls the Falkland Islands. The archipelago, located 600 km off the Argentine coast, was the subject of a 10-week war in 1982 after Argentina's military dictatorship invaded; Britain regained control. The banner display prompted British government officials to urge a FIFA investigation. The Falkland Islands government also sent a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino asking for consistent enforcement of the rules, citing discriminatory chants after Argentina's 3-2 last-16 win over Egypt as well.
FIFA's disciplinary committee is examining the banner under article 13, paragraph 2(c) of its disciplinary code, which prohibits using a sporting event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature. The charge is one of four opened against the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
Post-final violence
After Spain secured a 1-0 extra-time win in the final on 19 July at East Rutherford, New Jersey, several Argentina players and staff clashed with their Spanish counterparts. Midfielder Leandro Paredes, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain, threw defender Eric Garcia to the ground, grabbed him by the throat, and then scuffled with midfielder Gavi. He faces three charges under article 14, paragraph 1(i) of the FIFA disciplinary code -- the highest individual tally. Defender Nahuel Molina, who allegedly struck Spain's Rodri, faces two charges including one of attempted assault. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces one charge.
Spain coach Luis De la Fuente had denounced the Argentine players' "inadmissible" behaviour. Molina, Thiago Almada and Spain's Gavi are all charged with unsporting behaviour under article 14, paragraph 1(b).
- Argentina beats Egypt 3-2 in the last 16; discriminatory chants later cited by the Falkland Islands government in a letter to FIFA.
- Argentina beats England 2-1 in the semi-final; players unfurl a 'Las Malvinas son argentinas' banner on the pitch.
- Spain beats Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the final; post-match brawl erupts with Paredes, Molina, Ayala, and others involved.
- FIFA announces disciplinary proceedings against AFA and five individuals; charges cover the banner, assaults, fan misconduct and protocol breaches.
Wider fan and team misconduct
Beyond the two headline incidents, the AFA faces broader charges covering "discriminatory chants and gestures," kick-off delays, failure to respect match and safety protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and the throwing of objects by fans. FIFA's statement said those alleged infractions relate to "several matches" Argentina played during the tournament, without specifying which ones beyond the semi-final and the Egypt match.
Disciplinary process
FIFA confirmed that all individuals and the federation have been given the opportunity to present their position. The disciplinary committee will then issue its decision "in due course." No date for potential sanctions has been announced. The charges are brought under four articles of the FIFA disciplinary code: article 13 (using a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations), article 14 (misconduct), article 15 (discrimination and racist behaviour), and article 17 (order and security at matches).
