Thousands of outraged supporters from Argentina are demanding a replay of the FIFA World Cup26 Final, citing what they perceive as a “corrupt” officiating performance.
Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time during the world cup tournament in New Jersey on Sunday 19th July 2026.
Ferran Torres’ goal was pivotal for the dominant Spanish team, which consistently pressured the Argentine goal throughout the World Cup26 Final match.
The defending champions, Argentina, were unable to record a single shot on target during regulation time and were reduced to ten players after Enzo Fernández received a red card in the 93rd minute.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was kept under constant pressure before ultimately conceding to Torres’ shot in the 106th minute.
Tempers flared after the final whistle as Argentina’s defeat sparked a heated confrontation. According to The Mirror, Leandro Paredes clashed with Eric Garcia and Gavi, while Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Rodri, escalating the incident.
Meanwhile, a petition demanding that the final be replayed has recorded over 82,000 signatures.
The petition’s author, Gisela Sanchez, argues that FIFA should annul the result based on the actions of Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic.
Sanchez take on the World Cup26 Finals
Sanchez alleged that the World Cup26 final between Argentina and Spain was tainted by controversial officiating, claiming video evidence suggests the referee was bribed to influence the outcome.
“This is a significant disappointment for the players, coaches, and, most importantly, for the fans who wish to witness a game determined by skill and commitment on the field, rather than by manipulated officiating decisions.
“If we permit corruption to go unchecked on such a prominent platform, we are setting a detrimental precedent for future generations of athletes and supporters.
“Thus, we urge FIFA to examine these events with seriousness and transparency, and to contemplate replaying the final – this time free from the influence of a corrupt referee.”
However, another petition on Change.org is calling on FIFA to prohibit Argentina from participating in future competitions.
One petition advocating for the team’s removal from all forthcoming World Cups garnered over 29 million signatures before its closure.
Vincic, the referee of the World Cup26 final match, blew for 46 infractions, with 25 of those committed by players from Argentina.
Fernández was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the second half – one for dissent after a free-kick was denied and another for a reckless tackle on Pau Cubarsi.
Argentina’s disruptive approach repeatedly broke the game’s rhythm, but Spain found the breakthrough in extra time. FIFA has since launched a review into the conduct of Argentina’s players following the heavily criticised final.
