NafisaArgentina’s controversial 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign has taken another dramatic twist after football’s governing body officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) over events that unfolded during the latter stages of the tournament.
The world champions have found themselves at the centre of several major controversies in recent weeks, ranging from political gestures to explosive confrontations on the pitch, and FIFA has now confirmed that multiple investigations have resulted in formal charges.
While Argentina’s performances grabbed headlines throughout the competition, it is now the team’s conduct away from the football itself that is threatening to overshadow their run to the World Cup final.
One of the biggest flashpoints came immediately after Argentina booked their place in the final by defeating England in the semi-finals.
As celebrations erupted, several Argentina players posed with a banner displaying the message “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), a reference to the long-running sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands.
The image quickly spread around the world and sparked fierce criticism, particularly in Britain, where politicians, football figures and supporters argued that political messages have no place at FIFA tournaments.
Following a review of the incident, FIFA has now formally charged the AFA over the banner, with the governing body investigating whether it breached regulations that prohibit political, ideological or non-sporting messages during official competitions.
The disciplinary case does not end there.
According to reports from The Telegraph, two Argentina players are also facing serious allegations relating to the chaotic scenes that followed the World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina have reportedly both been charged over alleged assaults during the post-match confrontation, while Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has also been included in FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings.
In addition, Paredes, Molina, Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are all reported to have received disciplinary charges linked to their involvement in the mass altercation that broke out after the final whistle.
The World Cup final descended into chaos as players from both teams became involved in heated confrontations on the pitch, forcing coaching staff, security personnel and match officials to intervene before order was eventually restored.
Those incidents have now become part of FIFA’s wider investigation into the conduct of both teams.
The governing body is also understood to be reviewing other allegations involving unsporting behaviour and possible breaches of tournament regulations during Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
The latest disciplinary action comes at a difficult time for the Argentine Football Association.
In recent days, the AFA confirmed it is considering legal action against several media organisations and social media accounts over what it describes as a coordinated misinformation campaign targeting Argentina and its players throughout the tournament.
Despite that move, attention has now shifted back onto the federation itself as it prepares to defend the charges brought by FIFA.
At this stage, FIFA has not announced any punishments.
The governing body has only confirmed that formal disciplinary proceedings are underway, with the AFA and the individuals involved expected to submit their responses before any decisions on possible sanctions are made.
With multiple investigations now running simultaneously, Argentina’s turbulent World Cup campaign continues long after the final whistle, and FIFA’s eventual verdict could have significant consequences for both the federation and several members of Lionel Scaloni’s squad.
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