Spain’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final may have settled the destination of the trophy, but the controversy surrounding the showpiece continues to gather momentum days after the final whistle.A petition demanding that the World Cup final be replayed has now attracted 88,915 signatures at the time of writing, with thousands of Argentina supporters claiming the match was influenced by controversial refereeing decisions.The online campaign, launched on Change.org by Argentine supporter Gisela Sánchez, calls on FIFA to review the officiating performance of Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, who oversaw Sunday’s final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Petition accuses referee of “controversial and corrupt” performance
Spain secured their second men’s World Cup title courtesy of Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner after extra time, ending Argentina’s hopes of defending the trophy they won four years earlier.However, the result has not been accepted by a section of Argentina supporters.In the petition, Sánchez alleges that Vinčić delivered a “controversial and corrupt” performance and urges FIFA to investigate several key decisions made during the final.“The recent final between Argentina and Spain was tarnished by the controversial and corrupt performance of the referee who, according to video evidence, was bought to influence the match’s outcome,” the petition states.“It is a monumental disappointment for the players, coaches, and, above all, for the fans who crave to see a game decided by talent and dedication on the pitch, and not by rigged refereeing decisions.“If we allow corruption to go unnoticed on this global stage, we are setting a bad example for future generations of athletes and fans.“Therefore, we ask FIFA to review these incidents with seriousness and transparency, and to consider replaying the final, this time without the influence of a corrupt referee.”
88,000 Argentina fans demand World Cup final replay after ‘controversial and corrupt’ referee claims
The petition, however, does not provide independently verified evidence to support those allegations beyond videos circulating across social media which the organiser claims favour Spain.
Spain dominated before sealing victory in extra time
Despite the reaction from some supporters, Spain were widely viewed as the better side throughout the final.Luis de la Fuente’s team controlled possession for long spells, pinned Argentina deep inside their own half and prevented the defending champions from registering a single shot on target during normal time.Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez repeatedly kept Argentina in the contest before Ferran Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute of extra time.
Fans watch the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and Spain in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
Argentina’s task had already become significantly harder after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off in the third minute of stoppage time at the end of normal time.Having already been booked for dissent following a denied free-kick, Fernández received a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí, reducing Lionel Scaloni’s side to ten men before extra time began.According to match statistics, Vinčić awarded 46 fouls during the final, with 25 committed by Argentina as the match became increasingly fragmented.
Tempers boiled over after the final whistle
The frustration carried over into the closing moments of the evening.Immediately after Spain were confirmed as world champions, ugly scenes erupted on the pitch.Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle following clashes involving Eric García and Gavi, while Nahuel Molina also appeared to spark part of the confrontation after confronting Spain captain Rodri.The incidents have since become the subject of a separate FIFA disciplinary review.Speaking during ITV’s coverage, former England defender Gary Neville strongly criticised Argentina’s conduct.“It’s a disgrace,” Neville said.“I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives every game. Messi’s propped them up at times and they’re very competitive and I love that element of them.“But it’s been a disgrace the last few games.”
Similar replay campaign emerged earlier in the tournament
The Argentina petition is not the first online campaign calling for a World Cup replay during this tournament.Following Spain’s semi-final victory over France, French supporters launched a similar Change.org petition after disputing a controversial incident that led to the penalty opening the scoring.That campaign also gathered more than 82,000 signatures, although it had no effect on FIFA’s official result.Likewise, there is no indication that the latest petition will alter the outcome of the World Cup final.Meanwhile, Change.org has also hosted petitions taking the opposite position. One campaign calling for Argentina to be banned from future World Cups amassed more than 29 million signatures before eventually being closed.Away from the online debate, thousands of Argentina supporters gathered across the country following the team’s return home, applauding Lionel Scaloni’s squad for reaching a second consecutive World Cup final despite falling just short of retaining their title against an impressive Spanish side.
