FIFA make call on Lisandro Martínez’s 2026 World Cup final ban | OneFootball

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez may have received some good news regarding his involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The Argentine has been a regular for his nation at the tournament, starting six of the seven games so far.

Martinez played 72 minutes in the hard-fought 2-1 win over England in the semi-final earlier this week, which set up a blockbuster final against Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The Butcher has been indispensable for United since the start of the year and has already justified his inclusion in Lionel Scaloni’s squad for the World Cup.

Martinez has also forged an impressive partnership with Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero. However, the Red Devils man ignited controversy in the aftermath of the win over the Three Lions on Wednesday.

Martinez and his national team-mates celebrated with a banner referencing the Falkland Islands, which were at the centre of a war between the two countries in 1982. According to Article 34.3 of the World Cup rules, players are prohibited from displaying any political messages or slogans before, during or after a match.

The situation has led to calls for the six Argentine players, including Martinez, Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, to be banned from participation in the FIFA World Cup final. The UK government has already issued a statement urging FIFA to take action.

Lisandro Martinez: 2026 FIFA World Cup Stats

Source: Transfermarkt.

FIFA have responded to the controversy

FIFA have since responded to the controversy via a statement, which read: “As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the Fifa disciplinary code.”

UEFA famously served a one-match ban on Alvaro Morata and Rodri after they chanted “Gibraltar is Spanish” after defeating England in the Euro 2024 final. That decision has been referenced by Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, who has urged FIFA to suspend all six Argentine players for the World Cup final.

FIFA previously fined Argentina in 2014 for displaying a similar banner following a friendly match against Slovenia. The football governing body has already set up a disciplinary committee to assess the current incident, igniting fears that Martinez and co. could miss the World Cup final. An update on the situation has now emerged.

United man unlikely to be barred from final

According to COPE, the players involved in the incident are unlikely to be barred from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The report states: “The regulations are clear-cut and will be enforced. The matter now rests with the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, which will determine the punishment.”

“However, no decision will be reached until the World Cup has ended, meaning those involved will be able to play in Sunday’s final against Spain without any issues, as Arancha Rodríguez has learnt.”

Argentine outlet Clarin, meanwhile, suggests that sporting suspensions are less likely, adding: “The consequences can range from a warning to fines imposed on the Argentine Football Association (AFA) or the players involved.”

“A sporting suspension appears, in principle, to be a less likely possibility and is generally reserved for cases considered particularly serious or repeated offences.”

Final Thoughts

Martinez will be raring to go after helping Argentina reach the final of the 2026 World Cup. With the player now in the final year of his contract with United, his recent performances could tempt INEOS to hand him a new deal soon.

Featured image by Michael Steele/Getty Images

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