Argentina fans have started a petition for a replay of the 2026 World Cup final. Here’s why

A section of Argentina’s supporters have launched an online petition calling on FIFA to repeat the World Cup final in 2026, with the campaign gaining momentum following their defeat to Spain. A petition created by fan Gisela Sanchez on Change.org raises concerns about the performance of Slovenian referee Slavko Vincica, claiming that several key decisions during the final had a decisive influence on the outcome. Argentina was defeated by Spain in the final 1-0 in what was a one-sided affair.

According to a report by Bein Sport, In the petition, Sanchez claims that video footage from the match shows a pattern of decisions that allegedly favored one side and influenced the course of the competition. He says the calls have left players, coaches and fans deeply disappointed.

The appeal calls on FIFA to conduct a thorough and transparent review of the decision-making in the final. He is also asking the governing body to consider re-staging the match, claiming the result was influenced by a biased referee.

The petition, which describes the campaign as a fight for fairness “not only for Argentina but for the future of world football”, has already attracted more than 67,500 signatures.

WHAT DID SCALONI SAY ABOUT THE REFEREES IN THE FINALS?

One of the most discussed moments from the game was the tackle from Enzo Fernandez on Pau Cubarsiwhich earned him a red card after his second booking. While the fans were unhappy with the referee’s performance, the coach Lionel Scaloni said that Spain is the better team at the end of the day and Vincico should not be blamed.

“Was the authority unfair?” No, we lost because Spain were better than us,” Scaloni told reporters after his return to Argentina.

CAN FIFA REPEAT THE WORLD CUP FINALS?

Despite growing support, the campaign has no legal or regulatory standing. Petitions hosted on platforms like Change.org cannot force FIFA to overturn the official result or order a replay.

According to FIFA football laws and regulations, a World Cup final can only be replayed in very exceptional circumstances and only if authorized by the governing bodies of the sport in accordance with the relevant legal and disciplinary processes.

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Published on:

Jul 23, 2026 12:07 PM IST