FIFA has launched wide-ranging disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following a series of alleged rule breaches during the 2026 World Cup, focusing on a politically charged banner about the Falkland Islands and chaotic scenes after the tournament’s final.

The governing body is examining Argentina’s conduct on and off the pitch, citing discriminatory chants and gestures from sections of their support, team misconduct, failures in security and protocol, and the display of what it deems an inappropriate political message.

The most sensitive flashpoint came after Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England in Atlanta, when players posed with and paraded a banner reading “The Falklands are Argentine.” The banner, brought into the stadium by supporters, was held aloft in front of Argentina’s fans and then laid out on the pitch for several minutes before being removed by backroom staff.

FIFA is treating the incident as a potential violation of article 13, paragraph 2 c) of its Disciplinary Code, which prohibits using football matches as platforms for non-sporting demonstrations, including political statements. The Falklands issue remains a highly sensitive geopolitical dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom, and FIFA has long insisted that such conflicts must not be imported into its competitions.

Argentina’s problems do not end there. Several players now face individual cases over their behaviour following the 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey, where tempers flared at the final whistle.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes is accused of multiple breaches of article 14, paragraph 1 i), relating to assault, after he was seen grabbing and pushing Spain players amid heated confrontations. Defender Nahuel Molina, alleged to have struck Spain’s Rodri, is also under investigation, as are Thiago Almada and assistant coach Roberto Ayala, who are accused of contributing to the disorder.

FIFA has additionally opened proceedings against Spain midfielder Gavi for what it describes as unsporting behaviour, underlining that the disciplinary net extends beyond the Argentine camp.

The case is expected to test FIFA’s resolve to enforce its long-stated ban on political messaging and its commitment to clamp down on misconduct at its flagship tournament. Sanctions could range from fines and suspensions for individuals to broader penalties for the Argentine federation, depending on the outcome of the investigations.