FIFA opens fire on Argentina

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) filed disciplinary charges against two Argentine national team players yesterday for assaulting Spanish players in the moments following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup final.

FIFA also accused the Argentine Football Association of having its players raise a political banner concerning the Falkland Islands after the "Tango Dancers" defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The list of disciplinary cases opened by FIFA against Argentina also includes "discriminatory chants and gestures" by fans, an alleged assault by an assistant coach after the final match, and "throwing of objects by fans during several matches" at the World Cup.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes faces three assault charges stemming from the altercations that followed Spain’s 1-0 victory on July 19, while defender Nahuel Molina faces two charges, and assistant coach Roberto Ayala faces one charge.

Molina and Thiago Almada also face charges of unsporting behavior, the same charge brought against Spanish player Gavi.

Argentine players raised a banner reading "The Malvinas Islands are Argentina" after their 2-1 victory over England in the World Cup quarter-finals, which concluded last week in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Argentina refers to the Falkland Islands as the "Malvinas Islands." They were invaded in 1982 by order of the then-dictatorial military regime, sparking a 10-week war that Britain won.

British government officials called on FIFA to investigate the incident, and the international federation announced today that the official charge is "using a sporting event for non-sporting purposes."

FIFA clarified that all the accused "have been given the opportunity to present their case, and a decision will be issued by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee in due course."