Argentina FA urges fans to accept Spain’s World Cup win as petition for replay reaches over 100,000 signaturesThe Argentine Football Association (AFA) has urged fans to accept Spain’s victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals after a fan-led petition calling for the match to be replayed went viral days after Argentina’s defeat in New Jersey.At the New Jersey Stadium in New York, Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, and the Spanish team defeated the defending champion Argentina 1-0 in overtime and won the Men’s Football World Cup for the second time. Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled much of the game while Argentina struggled to create chances and ended the game with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off late on.The final has been making headlines ever since, not only for the post-match brawl between several Argentinian players but also for the growing conspiracy theories surrounding the referee.
Replay petition gains traction online
Now online The petition is started on Change.org Argentina supporter Gisela Sánchez has collected more than 101,613 verified signatures calling on FIFA to replay the World Cup final.The petition accuses Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic of “controversial and corrupt” performance and asks FIFA to investigate several decisions made during the match.Its full account outlines concerns about refereeing integrity, claiming the final was overshadowed by alleged bias and questionable decisions. The report argued that fans want the outcome of matches to be determined by skill and effort rather than referee decisions, and warned that trust in the sport could be damaged if these issues were not addressed.
Argentinian players react during the end of the World Cup final football match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, July 19, 2026, near New York. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarborough)
The petition also cited videos circulating online that supporters believed showed decisions favoring one side and described the issue as one that transcended Argentina and touched upon the credibility of global football.The report concludes with a direct appeal to FIFA:“We therefore call on FIFA to review these incidents seriously and transparently and consider replaying the final – this time without the influence of corrupt referees.”However, there is no evidence to substantiate the allegations of misconduct by referees or FIFA, nor is there any evidence that the match was affected by bribery or corruption.Furthermore, petitions on Change.org do not carry any legal or sporting authority, and FIFA stipulates that matches can only be replayed in exceptional circumstances and not because of disagreement with the referee’s decision.Also read: Argentine President Javier Milley breaks silence after 23 million people sign petition calling for World Cup ban
Claudio Tapia refuses replay request
Amid an increasingly fierce online campaign, Argentine Football Federation president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia publicly distanced himself from the federation and urged supporters to accept the replay result.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (left) and Argentinian Football Association President Claudio Tapia applaud during the World Cup round of 32 football match between Argentina and Cape Verde on Friday, July 3, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (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 cannot surpass Spain,” Tapia wrote.“We couldn’t beat Spain. They were better, they won fair and square and we have to admit that.”Accepting defeat is part of elite sport, he added.“In sports, you can also learn by accepting defeat as gracefully as you celebrate victory.”Tapia admitted it was painful to lose another World Cup final but reminded supporters that the team was once again on international football’s biggest stage.“Yes, we lost the final. But it’s also true that this team has just brought great joy to the country.”“It hurts to lose. It hurts because we were competitive, because we are the most successful team in history, and because second place is never enough for us.”The Argentine FA president also defended the commitment shown by Lionel Scaloni’s side throughout the tournament.“Let’s think about the sacrifices made by these players, the coaching staff and everyone who was away from their families for more than 50 days with one goal: to represent Argentina in the best possible way.”He concluded by warning supporters not to be swayed by misinformation.“That is why you should not be swayed by lies or plans that will only destabilize. Don’t try to go against those who have given so much to our football.”
Scaloni also dismissed conspiracy theories
Tapia’s comments echoed those earlier made by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who also rejected suggestions that Wincic’s refereeing determined the outcome of the final.The Argentina boss admitted Spain were the better side on the night despite the disappointment of losing to back-to-back World Cup winners.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni reacts during the World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Ironically, Argentina themselves have faced repeated accusations of accepting favorable refereeing decisions early in games. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has questioned FIFA’s enforcement, claiming the football governing body wants Messi and Argentina to stay in the competition for as long as possible.Also read: Argentine President Javier Milley breaks silence after 23 million people sign petition calling for World Cup banDespite the online debate, FIFA has not said it will review the outcome of the World Cup final, with its ongoing investigation focused on a post-match brawl involving members of the Argentina team after the final whistle.In addition to the replay petition, another viral campaign was circulating online calling for Argentina to be disqualified from future World Cups, which reportedly attracted around 23 million signatures before being taken down. Like the replay petition, it has no official weight but highlights the strong global reaction to the controversial final.
