FIFA bans Leandro Paredes for 10 games after World Cup final melee with Spain

Leandro Paredes won’t be suiting up for Argentina anytime soon. FIFA has handed the Boca Juniors midfielder a 10-match ban following his role in the ugly post-match brawl that marred the 2026 World Cup final, where Spain edged Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. What happened on the pitch The trouble started the moment the final whistle blew. Paredes got into physical confrontations with multiple Spanish players. The list of his dance partners reads like a who’s who of Spain’s midfield: Gavi, Rodri, and Dani Olmo all found themselves on the receiving end. But the most serious incident involved Spain defender Eric Garcia. Paredes grabbed Garcia by the throat, an act that crosses well beyond the line of competitive frustration and into territory FIFA classifies as assault. He also threw Gavi to the ground during the melee. FIFA’s Disciplinary Code Article 14 sets a minimum three-match suspension for each individual act of aggression. FIFA also opened formal assault proceedings against Argentine defender Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala for their roles in the post-match confrontations. Their sanctions have not yet been confirmed. The weight ...