Leandro Paredes handed massive punishment for World Cup Final brawl

Leandro Paredes has received a lengthy ban for his role in the post-FIFA World Cup Final 2026 brawl.

After Argentina fell short against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, the defender engaged in a heated scuffle with members of the opposing team.

Leandro Paredes handed an international ten-match ban

While the World Cup final is designed to create action on the field, it was the drama that unfolded after the match that provided the biggest fireworks display of the evening.

In a moment of madness, a furious Leandro Paredes grabbed Eric Garcia by the throat before launching Gavi towards the ground.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee have given the footballer a ten-match international ban for the incident. In addition, his teammate, Nahuel Molina, has received a seven-match suspension. The players will also have to pay fines of $90,000 (£66,000).

For his role in the brawl, Gavi has been suspended for one match with a fine of $30,000 (£22,000), as has Argentina’s Thiago Almada.

WOW: Leandro Paredes involved in another controversial moment weeks after World Cup brawl

Furthermore, Robert Ayala, who is a member of Argentina’s coaching staff, has been hit with a three-match ban and a fine of $30,000 (£22,000) for striking Dani Olmo.

In addition, Argentina have been ordered to play both of their next two home matches with just 50% attendance. However, one game of that sanction is suspended.

Following the semi-final of the competition, members of the South American team held up a banner claiming authority over the Falkland Islands. This breaches FIFA disciplinary code relating to using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, team misconduct, and discriminatory chants and gestures by its supporters.

Consequently, The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) has been handed a fine of $321,000 (£235,000) of which $100,000 (£73,000), must be invested in a plan to combat discrimination. A further $100,000 (£73,000) is suspended, with a probationary period being applied.