The 2026 World Cup final, which Spain won against Argentina (1-0) on Sunday, was marred by some unsporting behavior from Argentine players after the final whistle, notably Leandro Paredes.

The incident began with a scuffle between Molina and Rodri, as the Argentine full-back slapped the Matador captain while he was running to celebrate the title, leading to a confrontation among several players, including Paredes, Eric García, and Gavi, whom the Argentine assaulted with pushes and kicks.

A disagreement occurred between Paredes and García, with Paredes pushing the Spanish player. Gavi intervened to admonish him for his behavior, but he also fell to the ground after a push from the Argentine. As a result, Leandro Paredes was sent off at the end of the match.

The newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that such violent behavior is punishable by a suspension of at least three matches, according to the disciplinary code.

It added: 'The same applies to the following clause of the same code, which stipulates "at least three matches or an appropriate period of time for assault (including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting; spitting, hitting) on an opponent or any other person who is not a match official."'

He continued: 'We will now await the decision of the disciplinary bodies, and whatever the punishment, it will be served in the first official match played by the Argentine national team. This is also stipulated by the regulations and rules of the FIFA World Cup.'

A fine may also be imposed on the Argentine Football Association due to the behavior of several players during the ceremony in which Spain received the trophy, because of their unsporting conduct in not looking at the main podium.