FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reportedly sent a congratulatory letter to Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia despite FIFA investigating Argentina’s conduct after the FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain.
The letter, published by Argentine media and first reported by The Mirror, praised Argentina’s World Cup campaign days after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings into the violent scenes that followed Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory in New Jersey.
Several Argentina players, including Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, became involved in post-match confrontations with Spain players. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala also appeared in the melee. FIFA later confirmed it had appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate potential breaches of its disciplinary code.
Despite that investigation, Infantino congratulated Argentina on winning the silver medal and described the team’s tournament as a major contribution to the competition.
“Yesterday, Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the magnificent New York New Jersey Stadium, Argentina won the silver medal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, after an exciting final against Spain,” Infantino wrote.
“I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine football.”
The FIFA president also praised Argentina’s role throughout the tournament.
“The magnificent performance of the Albiceleste also contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football enthusiasts around the world.”
Infantino thanked the players, head coach Lionel Scaloni, the coaching and medical staff, and Argentina’s supporters. He added that the team’s achievements reflected “constant work, professionalism and attention to detail” and predicted “new and great successes for Argentine football.”
The timing of the letter has drawn attention because FIFA has yet to announce the outcome of its disciplinary investigation.
In its statement after the final, FIFA confirmed it had launched an inquiry into “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play” during the post-match incidents. The governing body said it would announce further details after receiving the prosecutor’s report.
No disciplinary verdict has yet been issued.
