World Cup 2026: Argentina under FIFA investigation over Falklands banner and post-final misconduct

Argentina’s World Cup campaign has been plunged into a disciplinary storm after FIFA opened proceedings against the country’s football association and several players over a series of alleged breaches during the tournament.

The most politically sensitive case centres on a banner declaring Argentina’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, displayed by players following their semi-final victory over England in Atlanta.

Some Argentina players were seen holding up the banner carrying the words “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” — meaning “The Falklands are Argentine” — after the South American side secured a place in the final.

FIFA considers the use of a football event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature a potential violation of its disciplinary regulations, putting the Argentine Football Association (AFA) under scrutiny.

The incident is not the first time Argentina has faced punishment from FIFA over a similar message. In 2014, the governing body fined the AFA 20,000 pounds ($26,560) after Argentina players displayed a comparable Falklands banner before a friendly against Slovenia.

FIFA widens disciplinary probe

The latest proceedings go beyond the controversial political message, with FIFA investigating a string of alleged offences involving Argentina during the tournament.

Among the allegations are discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, failures to follow security protocols, inappropriate messages displayed by teams and spectators, as well as objects thrown by supporters during several matches.

The breadth of the investigation means the AFA could face sanctions on multiple fronts, while individual players may also be punished depending on the findings of FIFA’s disciplinary process.

The governing body has yet to announce any final sanctions, with those involved now given the opportunity to respond to the allegations.

Paredes, Molina among players charged

FIFA has also opened separate disciplinary proceedings against several players following the dramatic World Cup final in New Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time.

Tensions boiled over immediately after the final whistle as Spain’s substitutes rushed onto the pitch to celebrate their triumph.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was at the centre of the confrontation after shoving Spain midfielder Gavi to the ground, triggering a brief melee between members of the two teams.

Paredes faces three counts of assault, while Argentina defender Nahuel Molina faces two counts.

Molina has also been charged with one count of unsporting behaviour, alongside Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada and team official Roberto Ayala.

Spain’s Gavi, who was involved in the confrontation with Paredes, also faces one count of unsporting behaviour.

The cases add another layer of controversy to a tournament that ended in disappointment for Argentina after they surrendered the title to Spain in a tense final.

FIFA decision still pending

FIFA stressed that no final decisions have yet been taken in the cases and that the accused parties will be allowed to present their positions before the disciplinary committee rules.

“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.

Argentina therefore faces the prospect of multiple sanctions, with the AFA and its players now waiting to learn the consequences of the alleged misconduct both on and off the pitch.