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FIFA announced this Monday the opening of a disciplinary investigation into the incidents that occurred after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The match, which ended 1-0 in favor of Spain in extra time, led to an altercation between several players after the final whistle.

What happened on the field?

Replays showed Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes pushing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the neck. When Spanish substitute Gavi intervened, Paredes brought him down. Spanish captain Rodri was also hit in the stomach by Argentine defender Nahuel Molina, who then verbally clashed with his former Manchester City teammate Nicolás Otamendi. Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni and other players intervened to calm the situation.

FIFA did not give a timeline for the investigation, but indicated that the disciplinary committee appointed a prosecutor to evaluate possible violations of the disciplinary code. Paredes did not receive a red card during the match, although he could face a suspension.

Political reactions

Argentine President Javier Milei referred to the defeat in an interview with Radio Miter:

“It cannot overshadow or tarnish the achievement of reaching a world final. The players have given an enormous example of what it means to leave everything for a goal. They never gave in. They never gave up.”

Milei highlighted that Argentina reached its third World Cup final in four editions and expressed pride in the team.

The players and coaching staff arrived in Buenos Aires on Monday, welcomed by hundreds of fans, without making any statements before heading to the Argentine Football Federation complex.

The reward for the title

After beating Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final, the Spanish National Team not only celebrated the title. Each of the 26 footballers will receive a gross bonus of 750 thousand euros. The previous agreement between the RFEF and the captains established this incentive. FIFA gave 44 million euros to the Spanish federation for the championship.

Players accumulated income as they progressed through the tournament: from the group stage to the final. The main prize is added to these amounts.

How much does net money reach your pockets?

The announced figure is not the one that footballers will see in their account. Premiums are considered income from work and are subject to personal income tax. For those who have tax residence in Spain, the withholding is close to 47%. This means that of the 750 thousand gross euros, the net income is around 397 thousand 500 euros. The rest goes to paying taxes.

Several of the champions play in LaLiga, such as Unai Simón, Pedri, Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres – author of the winning goal -, so they will be taxed under Spanish legislation.

France is left without a medal and without a coach

France was on the verge of a new World Cup final. In the duel for third place, the French lost 4-6 to England at the Miami stadium. The defeat meant goodbye to Didier Deschamps, who coached Les Bleus for 14 years.

The farewell of a historic man

Deschamps had already announced that this tournament would be his last. After the elimination, the French Football Federation (FFF) dedicated a message to him on social networks.

“The FFF thanks the national coach Didier Deschamps for the exceptional work carried out at the head of the France Team. There are trajectories that permanently mark the history of an institution and a country. Forever in the history of French football.”

The statement highlighted his legacy: “Under his authority, for fourteen years, Team France has regained credibility, respect and love by remaining at the highest global level, winning the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 Nations League and reaching several important finals, all while retaining extraordinary consistency.”

The FFF also highlighted that “his mark will remain indelible in Clairefontaine and in the hearts of millions of fans.” They thanked him for the 185 games played and the 120 victories under his management.

An era that leaves its mark

“Didier Deschamps has been able to transmit a culture of performance and responsibility that will remain a reference for future generations. He has accompanied the emergence of numerous internationals, has federated several groups around solid values and has contributed to strengthening the unique bond between the French and their national team,” concluded the FFF.

With the departure of Deschamps, France closes a golden cycle. Now he will look for a new helmsman to face the next World Cup process.