Argentina's Leandro Paredes Just Got Slapped With A 10-Game Ban After THAT World Cup Final — And FIFA Did NOT Hold Back ⚽💥

Stop everything, because FIFA just dropped the hammer on Argentina — and it is BRUTAL.

Leandro Paredes has been handed a 10-match international ban following the absolute chaos that erupted after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final. Yes, really. And that's just the beginning.

According to BBC Sport, the Boca Juniors midfielder grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat, wrestled Spain's Gavi to the ground, and then appeared to strike the Barcelona star in the face. FIFA's disciplinary committee watched the footage and clearly decided they'd seen enough.

The Punishments Keep Coming

Paredes isn't the only one facing consequences. His teammate Nahuel Molina — who allegedly punched Man of the Match Rodri as Spain celebrated their victory — has been hit with a seven-match suspension.

Both players will also pay fines of $90,000 (£66,000) each. Ouch.

But wait, there's MORE drama:

• Roberto Ayala, a member of Argentina's coaching staff, got a three-match ban and a $30,000 fine for striking Spain's Dani Olmo in the face
• Gavi himself received a one-match suspension and $30,000 fine for his role in the confrontations (though he said he didn't think Paredes should be punished at all 👀)
• Argentina's Thiago Almada also copped a one-match ban and fine

The Tea ☕

What went down:

• Multiple Argentina players and staff brawled with Spain's squad after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium
• Paredes went full WWE on Garcia and Gavi — throat-grabbing, ground-wrestling, the works
• FIFA appointed a disciplinary prosecutor last month to investigate the mess

The fallout:

• Argentina must play their next TWO home matches at 50% capacity (though one is suspended)
• The Argentinian FA has been fined $321,000 (£235,000) for "team misconduct" and other breaches
• $100,000 of that fine must be invested in a plan to combat discrimination

It Gets Even Messier

The sanctions aren't JUST about the post-match brawl. FIFA also punished Argentina for unveiling a banner claiming sovereignty over the Falkland Islands after their semi-final win against England. The fine includes penalties for "discriminatory chants and gestures by supporters" too.

BBC Sport's Simon Stone didn't mince words in his analysis: "Argentina have been one of the world's best teams for some time. Today shows them to be one of the worst behaved."

Honestly? He's not wrong. FIFA broadcast the final to an estimated 1.5 billion people globally, and instead of celebrating Spain's triumph, the world watched Argentina's meltdown play out in real time.

What Happens Next?

The Argentinian Football Association has already announced they'll appeal the sanctions. If that doesn't work, they're taking it all the way to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The match suspensions only apply to international fixtures, so Paredes can still play for Boca Juniors. But missing 10 games for Argentina — including crucial World Cup qualifiers and friendlies — is going to HURT.

Gavi, meanwhile, showed remarkable grace by saying he didn't think Paredes deserved punishment. We stan a forgiving king, but FIFA clearly had other ideas.

This whole situation is a masterclass in how NOT to handle defeat. Argentina went from World Cup runners-up to poster children for poor sportsmanship in about 90 seconds flat.

Sources:

• BBC Sport: Argentina's Paredes banned for 10 games over World Cup final clashes

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Do you think FIFA went too hard on Argentina, or did they deserve every bit of this punishment? Sound off below 👇