Argentina secure FIFA relief as suspensions count friendlies

Argentina’s three sanctioned internationals will be able to reduce their FIFA suspensions during upcoming top-level friendlies, easing the impact of the penalties on the national team. The change follows the Argentine Football Association’s request after the incidents surrounding the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.

Leandro Paredes was suspended for 10 matches, Nahuel Molina for seven and Thiago Almada for one. FIFA has agreed that Category A international friendlies can now be included in the match count. Argentina has no 2026 qualifying fixtures remaining, giving the team more opportunities to serve the bans during preparation windows.

The planned schedule could include four friendlies between September and October and two more in November. If all six matches are played, Molina could complete six of his seven games without missing an official fixture. Almada could finish his entire suspension in the opening friendly, while Paredes could serve as many as six matches before the end of the year.

The decision departs from the usual approach, under which unserved international bans are carried into the next official matches. The reasons for FIFA’s adjustment have not been detailed. The AFA is continuing to seek further reductions for Paredes and Molina, whose sanctions followed the final Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time.