Argentina’s own football association has issued a blunt message after a viral petition for the World Cup final passed 100,000 signatures

Argentine players react at the end of the World Cup soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Argentina FA urges fans to embrace Spain’s World Cup win as viral replay of petition surpasses 100,000 signaturesThe Argentine Football Association (AFA) has called on supporters to accept a Spain victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a fan-led petition calling for a replay 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 match as Argentina struggled to create chances and finished the match with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off late on.The final has remained in the headlines ever since, not only because of the post-match altercation between several Argentine players, but also because of the growing conspiracy theories surrounding the celebrations.

Replay petition gains traction online

An online petition launched on Change.org by Argentina supporter Gisela Sánchez has gathered more than 101,613 verified signatures calling on FIFA to replay the World Cup final.The petition claims Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić performed “controversially and corruptly” and asks FIFA to investigate several decisions made during the match.His full account outlines concerns about the integrity of officiating and claims the final was marred by alleged bias and questionable decisions. He argues that fans expect matches to be decided by skill and effort rather than referee calls, and warns that failure to address these concerns could damage confidence in the sport.

Argentine players react at the end of the World Cup 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 refers to videos circulating online that supporters believe show decisions in favor of one side, framing the issue as one that goes beyond Argentina and affects football’s global credibility.It ends with a direct appeal to FIFA:“Therefore, we call on FIFA to review these incidents seriously and transparently and consider a replay of the final – this time without the influence of a corrupt referee.”However, no evidence was presented to support allegations that referees or FIFA acted improperly, and there is no indication that bribery or corruption influenced the match.Additionally, petitions on Change.org have no legal or sporting authority, and FIFA regulations only allow replays in exceptional circumstances, not because of disagreement with refereeing decisions.Also read: Argentina President Javier Milei breaks silence after 23 million sign petition calling for World Cup ban

Claudio Tapia refuses replay requests

Amid a growing online campaign, Argentina Football Association president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia publicly distanced the federation from repeated calls and urged supporters to accept the result.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, left, and Argentina Football Association President Claudio Tapia applaud before the FIFA World Cup 32 match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Florida, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

In a lengthy statement shared on Instagram, Tapia acknowledged Spain’s dominance on the day while encouraging fans to continue to support the national team despite the disappointment.“We were unable to get through Spain,” Tapia wrote.“We couldn’t beat Spain. They were better, they won fair and square and we have to acknowledge that.”He added that accepting defeat belongs to top sport.“In sports, you also learn by accepting defeat with the same grace with which you celebrate victory.”Tapia admitted losing another World Cup final was painful, but reminded fans the team had once again reached international football’s biggest stage.“Yes, we lost the final. But it’s also true that this group just brought immense joy to the country.”“Losing hurts. It hurts because we’re competitive, because we’re the winningest team in history and because second place is never enough for us.”The AFA president also defended the commitment shown by Lionel Scaloni’s team during 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 one goal: to represent Argentina in the best possible way.”He concluded by warning supporters not to be swayed by misinformation.“That’s why you shouldn’t be swayed by lies or plans that only try to destabilize. There are enough attempts to turn against those who have given so much to our football.”

Scaloni also rejected conspiracy theories

Tapia’s comments echo those made earlier by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who also rejected suggestions that Vinčić’s leadership would decide the outcome of the final.The Argentina manager admitted Spain were simply the better team on the night, despite the disappointment of missing out on 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 itself faced repeated accusations of accepting favorable refereeing decisions earlier in the tournament. Among those questioning FIFA’s role was Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan, who claimed football’s governing body wanted Lionel Messi and Argentina to stay in the competition for as long as possible.Also read: Argentina President Javier Milei breaks silence after 23 million sign petition calling for World Cup banDespite the ongoing online debate, FIFA has not indicated that the result of the World Cup final will be reviewed, and its ongoing investigation has instead focused on post-match altercations between members of the Argentina team after the final whistle.In addition to the rerun of the petition, another viral campaign calling for Argentina to be stripped of their place at future World Cups circulated online and reportedly attracted around 23 million signatures before it was taken down. Like the replay petition, it carries no official weight but highlights the intense global reaction to the controversial final.