Over 100,000 Argentine football fans have backed an online petition requesting FIFA to replay the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, following a painful defeat in New Jersey.

Started by supporter Gisela Sánchez on Change.org, the campaign collected past 101,613 verified signatures by Saturday. The petition claims Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić made questionable calls that impacted the match outcome, asking FIFA to evaluate his officiating.

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Heartbreak in New Jersey as Spain takes the title

Argentina’s bid to become the first country to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962 fell short. Spain claimed a 1-0 win during extra time, with Ferran Torres netting the winning goal in the 106th minute to hand Luis de la Fuente’s squad their second world title.

The result hit fans hard, given this was likely Lionel Messi’s last World Cup appearance. Argentina completed the match with ten players after midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card.

Sánchez’s petition calls Vinčić’s performance “controversial and corrupt,” referencing viral social media videos that fans claim display officiating errors. It urges FIFA to examine the match “with seriousness and transparency” and consider rescheduling the fixture.

No evidence of misconduct and FIFA unlikely to act

No verified evidence exists to validate claims of corruption or intentional wrongdoing by Vinčić or FIFA. Furthermore, online petitions carry no legal weight to compel governing bodies to alter match outcomes, and FIFA has shown no intention of reviewing or replaying the final.

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Argentine football leadership has also distanced itself from the officiating complaints. Argentine Football Association president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia praised the opposition and encouraged supporters to accept the outcome.

“They were superior, they won fair and square, and we have to acknowledge that,” Tapia said.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni similarly dismissed refereeing conspiracy theories, admitting Spain outperformed his team.

Rival petitions reflect ongoing tournament drama

In another online development, a separate campaign demanding Argentina be barred from future World Cups claimed over 23 million signatures before ending after the final. That petition had alleged FIFA favored Argentina and Messi throughout the competition.

FAQs

Why are Argentine fans asking FIFA to replay the 2026 World Cup final?

Fans launched a petition claiming referee Slavko Vinčić made controversial calls during Spain’s 1–0 extra-time win, including issuing a red card to Enzo Fernández.

Will FIFA order a replay of the 2026 World Cup final?

No, online petitions carry no legal authority under FIFA rules. Both Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia and coach Lionel Scaloni accepted the result, stating Spain won fair and square.