Context and PrecedentsThe World Cup 2026 final was Spain’s second title in history and the first since 2010, making them the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men’s and women’s World Cup trophies, having won the latter in 2023. The match was also the first World Cup final to feature a halftime show, which caused the break to extend beyond 27 minutes, in violation of IFAB protocols -an issue that has drawn separate scrutiny. Argentina had entered the tournament as the defending champion after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee is expected to rule within the coming weeks after evaluating the full investigative report. This is not the first time that post-match incidents at a World Cup final have triggered disciplinary action.