Argentina granted FIFA approval to serve World Cup bans in earlier matches

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) says FIFA has approved its request to have suspensions imposed after the 2026 World Cup final served during the next suitable matches, rather than waiting for a specific competition.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee accepted the request, meaning Argentina’s players and assistant coach can begin serving their bans in top-level friendly internationals and/or competitive fixtures, whichever comes first.

The sanctions were issued against players and officials from Argentina and Spain following incidents after the World Cup final. FIFA also punished the AFA over a series of disciplinary breaches during several matches at the tournament.

The AFA said it had submitted a formal request asking FIFA to allow its players to serve the punishments arising from the final, as well as the sanctions imposed on the association itself, in forthcoming matches.

Although the request has been accepted under the relevant regulations, the AFA said it was still waiting for FIFA’s written explanation of the decisions. It intends to submit the necessary appeals to FIFA’s Appeal Committee once those reasons have been received.

The association added that it could take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as a final resort, saying it wanted to protect its own rights and those of its players.

Leandro Paredes received the heaviest individual punishment, with the Argentina midfielder suspended for 10 matches.

Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina was given a seven-match suspension, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala was banned for three games. Argentina forward Thiago Almada was suspended for one match.

Spain midfielder Gavi was also handed a one-match suspension.

In addition to the sporting sanctions, FIFA fined the AFA $321,000 for different offences committed across several matches during the tournament.

Argentina have also been ordered to play their next two home matches under restrictions. The first must be held with the stadium operating at 50% capacity, while the second punishment has been suspended. That second match will be played behind closed doors if FIFA receives another complaint relating to the behaviour of Argentina supporters.

Spain won the final after Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute.

The victory secured Spain’s second World Cup title. Their first came in 2010, when they beat the Netherlands in the final.

Argentina were unable to retain the trophy they won in 2022 and finished the tournament as runners-up.

FIFA’s decision therefore affects both the players involved in the post-final incidents and the conditions under which Argentina will host its next home fixtures, while the AFA considers whether to pursue further appeals.