Argentina fans call for World Cup final replay after Spain’s victory

By Sanjay Menon — 23 July 2026 — 3 min read

Petition for a replay gains traction

A petition calling for a replay of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain has gathered significant support. The online campaign, initiated by Argentine supporter Gisela Sánchez on Change.org, demands that FIFA review the officiating during the match. The petition had accumulated 88,915 signatures at the time of reporting.

The petition alleges that the final was influenced by a “controversial and corrupt” performance from Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, who officiated the match at the New York New Jersey Stadium. It claims that video evidence suggests the referee was influenced to affect the outcome of the game. The petition urges FIFA to investigate these incidents with transparency and consider replaying the final without the influence of what it terms a corrupt referee.

Despite these claims, the petition does not offer independently verified evidence to support the allegations, beyond social media videos that the organizer suggests favor Spain. Spain secured their second men’s World Cup title with a 1-0 victory in extra time, preventing Argentina from defending the trophy they had won four years prior.

Match incidents and fan reactions

Spain was widely considered the stronger side during the final, controlling possession for extended periods and preventing Argentina from registering a single shot on target during normal time. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute of extra time. Argentina‘s challenge was made more difficult when midfielder Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí in the third minute of stoppage time, reducing his side to ten men before extra time began.

Match statistics indicate that referee Vinčić awarded 46 fouls during the final, with 25 committed by Argentina. Following the final whistle, tensions escalated on the pitch. Leandro Paredes was sent off after clashes involving Eric García and Gavi, and Nahuel Molina was also involved in a confrontation with Spain captain Rodri. These incidents are currently under a separate disciplinary review by FIFA.

Former England defender Gary Neville criticized Argentina‘s conduct during ITV‘s coverage, describing it as a “disgrace.” He acknowledged the competitive spirit of the Argentine team but expressed strong disapproval of their behavior in recent games.

Historical context and official stance

This is not the first time a petition for a World Cup replay has emerged during this tournament. Earlier, following Spain‘s semi-final victory over France, French supporters launched a similar Change.org petition, which garnered over 82,000 signatures. That petition disputed a controversial incident that led to a penalty and the opening goal, but it did not alter the official result.

Change.org does not have the authority to influence football’s rulebook, and a petition, regardless of its size, cannot compel FIFA to change an official result. Match replays are reserved for specific, exceptional circumstances outlined in the sport’s regulations, and only the relevant governing bodies can make such decisions. There is no indication that the current petition will change the outcome of the World Cup final.

Despite the online debate, thousands of Argentina supporters gathered across the country to welcome their team home, applauding Lionel Scaloni‘s squad for reaching a second consecutive World Cup final.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com