FIFA overturns red card for Paredes after 2026 final
FIFA has withdrawn the red card shown to Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes after the 2026 World Cup final. The incident occurred after Argentina's defeat to Spain.
Jul 29, 2026 0
FIFA canceled the red card issued to the Argentine player after the final match of the World Cup. As reported by BBC, no disciplinary measures were taken against Leandro Paredes.
The incident occurred after the match ended, in which Spain won 1–0 in extra time. Paredes first grabbed defender Eric Garcia by the throat, then pushed midfielder Gavi. Teammates calmed down the former Zenit Saint Petersburg player.
Initially, FIFA notified about the red card, but later it disappeared from the match report. The organization confirmed that no sanctions were applied to the player.
Additionally, FIFA launched an investigation into a banner displayed by Argentine fans after the semifinal victory over England (2–1). The banner read «Malvinas are Argentine» (the Falkland Islands).
A separate high-profile scandal occurred during the match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina. American Folarin Balogun received a red card for stepping on an opponent«s ankle; the violation was confirmed after a video review. He was supposed to miss the next game, but the FIFA Disciplinary Committee suspended the disqualification after US President Donald Trump discussed the situation with the committee head.
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