FIFA has officially launched disciplinary proceedings regarding the unsavory brawl that broke out between Argentina and Spain immediately following the final of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced that it has appointed a dedicated disciplinary and ethics inspector to investigate the mass confrontation that occurred right after the final match held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.

After losing 1-0 to Spain in the final held yesterday (July 20) and finishing as runners-up, some Argentine players and coaching staff provoked and physically clashed with the Spanish squad as they were celebrating their victory.

The mass brawl was triggered during a celebration by Spanish midfielder Rodri.

As Rodri, who had been substituted and was on the bench, ran to share the joy with his teammates, he passed by Argentine defender Nahuel Molina. The incident was ignited when Molina swung his fist toward Rodri's arm or abdomen.

When Rodri approached to protest, Molina charged at him aggressively, which immediately escalated into a bench-clearing brawl.

As Spain's Eric Garcia ran over to assist his teammate, Leandro Paredes joined in and struck Garcia in the neck.

Subsequently, Gavi stepped in to de-escalate the situation but was pushed down by Thiago Almada, and Paredes shoved Gavi in the face, knocking him to the ground.

The pitch turned into chaos in an instant as even Argentine coach Roberto Ayala joined in, grabbing Garcia by the neck and striking Dani Olmo.

With FIFA moving beyond its internal investigation level to appoint a dedicated ethics inspector, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the players involved are unlikely to avoid severe sanctions.

If Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code regarding violations of fair play and maintaining decorum is applied, the players and coaching staff involved could face heavy penalties, including suspension from all football-related activities worldwide.

This is not the first time Argentina has caused controversy with its post-match behavior.

Following their victory in the semifinal against England, Argentina held up a banner reading "The Falkland (Malvinas) Islands are Argentine territory," and is already under a separate investigation for violating FIFA's prohibition on the use of political slogans.

The Falkland Islands, located in the South Atlantic, have been a long-standing area of sovereignty dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)