Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has escaped immediate punishment after FIFA removed the red card he was shown following the heated scenes at the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain. While the dismissal has been erased from the official match report, FIFA has confirmed that the post match brawl remains under investigation and disciplinary action could still follow.

Leandro Paredes’s card removed from match report

Paredes was sent off after the final whistle following a confrontation with Spain defender Eric Garcia as players from both teams became involved in a mass altercation. The incident took place moments after Spain sealed a 1 0 extra time victory to lift the World Cup trophy.

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FIFA has now removed the red card from the official match record. Since the dismissal came after the match had ended, it does not automatically result in a suspension under FIFA regulations. As a result, Paredes is currently free from any immediate sporting sanction.

FIFA disciplinary probe for Peredes still underway

Despite the removal of the red card, the matter is far from closed. FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation into the post match violence involving players from both sides.

The governing body will examine the referee’s report along with video footage before deciding whether any player should face suspensions, fines or other disciplinary measures. Any punishment will be issued through the disciplinary process rather than through the match report.

The incident has generated widespread discussion across the football world, with opinions divided over whether stricter action should be taken. Some former players and analysts have called for firm punishment to discourage similar incidents, while others believe emotions naturally ran high after such a high stakes final.

For now, Paredes remains available for selection, but his case is still being reviewed. FIFA is expected to announce its findings after completing its investigation into the events that unfolded after the final whistle in one of the most dramatic endings to a World Cup final in recent memory.