New Delhi, 21 July (H.S.): The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has launched a disciplinary investigation into the violent confrontation between players and coaching staff of Spain and Argentina following the FIFA World Cup 2026 final played on Sunday.

In the final held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time to secure a 1-0 victory for Spain over Argentina, helping Spain win their second men’s FIFA World Cup title. However, the scenes of indiscipline involving Argentine players at the end of the match overshadowed the historic encounter.

Earlier, during the closing moments of extra time, Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez was shown a second yellow card and sent off by referee Slavko Vincic after committing a dangerous foul on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.

Videos that emerged after the final whistle showed Argentina players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina involved in a physical confrontation with Spain’s Eric Garcia and Rodri. Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also allegedly seen attempting to strike Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.

Following the incident, Molina confronted Rodri, while Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi engaged in a heated argument with his former Manchester City teammate Rodri.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni and players from both teams rushed onto the field to intervene and calm the situation.

FIFA has now confirmed that a full disciplinary investigation has been initiated into the incident. The governing body will examine possible violations of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and decide on further action.

In an official statement, FIFA said, “After assessing the match report of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor under Article 36 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) to investigate the incidents that occurred after the match and examine potential violations.”

The statement further added, “Once the prosecutor’s report has been completed, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee will make further information available to the public.”

Notably, Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez became the first player since 2010 to receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup final. Before him, Dutch defender John Heitinga was sent off during the 2010 World Cup final against Spain, which was played in Johannesburg, South Africa.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar