FIFA confirmed on Friday that disciplinary proceedings have been launched into the football federations of Brazil and Argentina over the delay in the start of 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
Tuesday’s match at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium, which world champions Argentina won 1-0, was delayed for almost half an hour after rival fans started fighting before kick-off.
Chaos broke out at the iconic stadium as players tried unsuccessfully to convince fans to stop the fighting. Argentina captain Lionel Messi took his team back to the dressing room and returned only after the violence had subsided.