FIFA punished Brazil and Argentina in the incident of World Cup qualifying match

Brazil and Argentina faced each other in the historic Maracana on November 21 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Nicolas Otamendi's only goal saw Lionel Messi defeat the Selecao in a clash between two arch-rivals.

However, on the day of the defeat of the arch-enemies, the supporters of both team got involved in a riot in the gallery. 

Following the clash between rival fans seated together at one end of the stadium, Argentina supporters fight with Brazilian supporters during the national anthem. Brazilian police intervened to restore the situation, but their aggressive tactics towards the Argentine fans inflamed Lionel Messi and the rest of the national team.

Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 with Nicolas Otamendi's goal in the World Cup qualifying match on November 22. Argentina and Brazil fans clashed before that match at the Maracana. Brazilian police baton-charged Argentine supporters to control the situation. Argentinians threw chairs at law and order forces.

After that match, FIFA announced an investigation into the incident.

After investigating the incident, FIFA fined the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) was fined 50,000 Swiss francs and the Argentina Football Association (AFA) was fined 20,000 Swiss francs.

Brazil were heavily penalized for failing to maintain stadium law and order. Also in the case of Argentina, FIFA found a lack of discipline in the stadium.

However, AFA was fined another 50,000 Swiss francs because Argentina fans discriminated against Ecuador and Uruguay supporters in the other two World Cup qualifying matches at home. 

This money has been directed by FIFA to be spent on anti-discrimination education projects. In other words, AFA has to pay more fines than CBF.