ZURICH, 21 August 2026 (Ghufran) — FIFA has handed Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes a 10-match international ban and a $90,000 fine for his role in clashes with Spain players following the World Cup final. FIFA announced on Friday that several Argentina players had received suspensions and fines over their involvement in the incidents that occurred after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. Argentina have also been ordered to play their next two home matches behind closed doors, although one match of the sanction has been suspended. Paredes, who plays for Boca Juniors, was punished after grabbing Spain defender Eric Garcia by the throat and wrestling Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground while holding his substitute’s bib. His actions contributed to an escalation of the confrontation following the final. Argentina teammate Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match international ban and fined $90,000, while Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine. The FIFA disciplinary measures follow a review of the incidents surrounding the post-match confrontation and are intended to address the conduct of the players involved.