Argentine FA to face 'bans and substantial fines' - 'They're guilty'

FIFA must hand the Argentine FA "bans and substantial fines" following their players actions at full-time against Spain.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that Argentina are "guilty" of failing to control their players in the 2026 World Cup final.

Following a rather unexciting 120 minutes between the teams at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, 19 July, it was a single Ferran Torres goal that made all the difference.

Tempers had flared throughout the game, with Enzo Fernandez being sent off for a challenge on Pau Cubarsi, but nothing could prepare spectators for the full-time whistle.

As Spain players came flooding onto the pitch to celebrate their title, Nahuel Molina punched Rodri, before Leandro Paredes lashed out at two opponents.

The Boca Juniors man was subsequently shown a red card after attacking both Eric Garcia and Gavi, bringing a very sour end to the 2026 World Cup.

'Argentina are guilty' as full-time scenes examined

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett erupted at the situation, stating that FIFA's disciplinary panel must punish Argentina harshly.

"What should happen here is that footage at the end of the game should be reviewed by the disciplinary committee," he said.

"There should be bans and substantial fines. Because if there's ever a charge failing to control your players. Argentina are guilty of that.

"I think they should because it's two too many and, therefore, a failure to control the players. It breaks that criterion. So watch this space.

"Are are FIFA going to take a low-key approach or are they going to say, 'Look, we're unhappy with with that behaviour'?"

Which other teams should be punished?

It is not the first time that Argentina have come under the spotlight either. Against England, Giovani Lo Celso produced a political banner at full-time.

That created more than enough drama for the entire tournament, but they aren't the only national team to anger supporters this summer.

Paraguay's players were slammed for their performance against France in the round of 16, a game decided by a single Kylian Mbappe penalty.

It was clear that Paraguay had every intention of harming their opponents, rather than playing football, and so Hackett wants to see them punished as well.