Argentina FA urges fans to accept Spain’s World Cup victory as viral replay petition tops 100,000 signaturesThe Argentine Football Association (AFA) has urged supporters to accept Spain’s victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a fan-led petition demanding the match be replayed went viral in the days following Argentina’s defeat in New Jersey.Spain secured their second men’s World Cup title with a 1-0 extra-time victory over defending champions Argentina after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled much of the contest, while Argentina struggled to create chances and finished the match with 10 players following Enzo Fernández’s late dismissal.The final has remained in the headlines ever since, not only because of the post-match altercation involving several Argentina players, but also because of growing conspiracy theories surrounding the officiating.
Replay petition gains traction online
An online petition launched on Change.org by Argentine supporter Gisela Sánchez has gathered more than 101,613 verified signatures, calling on FIFA to replay the World Cup final.The petition alleges that Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić delivered a “controversial and corrupt” performance and asks FIFA to investigate several decisions made during the match.Its full description outlines concerns about the integrity of the officiating, claiming the final was overshadowed by alleged bias and questionable decisions. It argues that fans expect matches to be decided by skill and effort rather than refereeing calls, and warns that failing to address such concerns could damage trust in the sport.
Argentina players react at the end of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
The petition also references videos circulating online that supporters believe show decisions favouring one side, and frames the issue as one that goes beyond Argentina, touching on the credibility of football globally.It concludes with a direct appeal to FIFA:“Therefore, we call upon FIFA to review these incidents with seriousness and transparency, and to consider replaying the final—this time without the influence of a corrupt referee.”However, no evidence has been produced to substantiate allegations that the referee or FIFA acted improperly, and there is nothing to suggest the match was influenced by bribery or corruption.Furthermore, petitions on Change.org carry no legal or sporting authority, and FIFA regulations provide for matches to be replayed only under extraordinary circumstances, not because of disagreement with refereeing decisions.Also read: Argentina president Javier Milei breaks silence after 23 million sign petition demanding World Cup ban
Claudio Tapia rejects replay demands
Amid the growing online campaign, Argentine Football Association president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia publicly distanced the federation from the replay calls and urged supporters to accept the result.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, left, and Argentine Soccer Association President Claudio Tapia clap before the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
In a lengthy statement shared on Instagram, Tapia acknowledged Spain’s superiority on the day while encouraging fans to continue supporting the national team despite the disappointment.“We were unable to get past Spain,” Tapia wrote.“We couldn’t beat Spain. They were superior, they won fair and square, and we have to acknowledge that.”He added that accepting defeat is part of elite sport.“In sports, you also learn by accepting defeats with the same grace with which you celebrate victories.”While admitting that losing another World Cup final was painful, Tapia reminded supporters that the squad had once again reached the biggest stage in international football.“Yes, we lost a final. But it’s also true that this group had just brought immense joy to the country.”“Losing hurts. It hurts because we are competitive, because we are the most successful team in history, and because second place is never enough for us.”The AFA president also defended the commitment shown by Lionel Scaloni’s squad throughout the tournament.“Let’s think about the sacrifice of these players, the coaching staff, and every person who worked for more than 50 days away from their families, with a single objective: to represent Argentina in the best way possible.”He concluded by warning supporters not to be influenced by misinformation.“That’s why you shouldn’t be swayed by lies or by schemes that only seek to destabilise. Enough of trying to turn against those who have given so much to our football.”
Scaloni also dismissed conspiracy theories
Tapia’s comments echo those made earlier by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who also rejected suggestions that Vinčić’s officiating decided the outcome of the final.The Argentina manager acknowledged that Spain had simply been the better team on the night, despite disappointment over missing out on back-to-back World Cup titles.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni reacts during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Ironically, Argentina themselves had faced repeated allegations of receiving favourable refereeing decisions earlier in the tournament. Among those to question FIFA’s officiating was Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan, who claimed football’s governing body wanted Lionel Messi and Argentina to remain in the competition for as long as possible.Also read: Argentina president Javier Milei breaks silence after 23 million sign petition demanding World Cup banDespite the continuing debate online, FIFA has given no indication that the result of the World Cup final will be reviewed, with its ongoing investigation instead focused on the post-match altercations involving members of the Argentina squad following the final whistle.In addition to the replay petition, another viral campaign circulated online calling for Argentina to be stripped of their place in future World Cups, reportedly attracting around 23 million signatures before being taken down. Like the replay petition, it holds no official weight but highlights the intense global reaction to the controversial final.
