FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several Argentina players for alleged breaches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These include the display of a politically charged banner following the team’s semi-final victory over England, as stated in FIFA’s latest World Cup 2026 disciplinary update.
After Argentina’s win in Atlanta, several players held up a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), referring to the disputed South Atlantic islands claimed by both Argentina and the United Kingdom.
According to FIFA, using a sporting event for non-sporting demonstrations constitutes a breach of its disciplinary code, specifically Article 13, Paragraph 2c.
The governing body is also investigating a series of other alleged incidents during the tournament, including discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, security protocol failures, inappropriate messages displayed by teams and spectators, and objects thrown by fans during several matches.
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FIFA has also opened disciplinary proceedings against several players following the World Cup final in New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time.
A confrontation broke out after the final whistle when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes pushed Spain’s Gavi to the ground as Spanish substitutes ran onto the pitch to celebrate.
According to the disciplinary report, Paredes faces three assault-related charges, while Nahuel Molina faces two. Molina, Thiago Almada, Argentine official Roberto Ayala, and Spain midfielder Gavi have each been charged with one count of unsporting behavior.
“In accordance with the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the respondents have now been provided with the opportunity to present their position, following which a decision will be issued by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in due course,” FIFA said in a statement.
