Argentina FA urges fans to accept Spain’s World Cup win as viral replay petition surpasses 100,000 signatures.The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has urged supporters to accept Spain’s victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a fan-led petition demanding the match be replayed 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 win 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 most of the contest, while Argentina struggled to create chances and finished the match with 10 players after the late dismissal of Enzo Fernández.The final has been in the headlines ever since, not only because of the post-match altercation involving several Argentine players, but also because of the growing conspiracy theories surrounding the officiating.
The replay petition is gaining traction online
I’m online petition launched on Change.org by Argentinian supporter Gisela Sánchez has gathered more than 101,613 verified signatures, calling on FIFA to resume the World Cup final.The petition says Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić gave a “controversial and corrupt” performance and asks FIFA to investigate several decisions made during the match.His full description outlines concerns about the official’s integrity, claiming the final was overshadowed by alleged bias and questionable decisions. He argues that fans expect games to be decided by skill and effort rather than refereeing calls, and warns that failure to address such concerns could damage confidence in the sport.
Argentine players react at the end of the World Cup final 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, and frames the problem as one that goes beyond Argentina, touching the credibility of football in the world.He concludes with a direct appeal to FIFA:“Therefore, we call on FIFA to review these incidents with seriousness and transparency, and to consider repeating the final, this time without the influence of a corrupt referee.”However, no evidence was produced to support the allegations that the referee or FIFA acted improperly, and there is nothing to suggest that the match was influenced by bribery or corruption.In addition, petitions on Change.org have no legal or sporting authority, and FIFA regulations provide that matches are replayed only in extraordinary circumstances, not for disagreement with arbitral decisions.Also read: Argentina President Javier Milei breaks silence after 23 million petition signatures calling for World Cup ban
Claudio Tapia rejects replay requests
Amid growing online campaigning, Argentine Football Association president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia publicly distanced the federation from calls for a replay and urged supporters to accept the result.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, left, and Argentina Football Association President Claudio Tapia applaud before the World Cup Round of 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Florida, Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
In a long 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 pass Spain,” wrote Tapia.“We can’t beat Spain. They were superior, they won fair and square, and we have to recognize that.”I added that accepting defeat is part of elite sport.“In sports, you also learn to accept defeats with the same grace with which you celebrate victories.”While admitting that losing another World Cup final was painful, Tapia reminded supporters that the team had returned to the biggest stadium in international football.“Yes, we lost a final. But it is also true that this group had just brought immense joy to the country.”“The loss is bad, because we are competitive, because we are the most successful 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 throughout the tournament.“We think of the sacrifice of these players, of the coaching staff, and of every person who worked more than 50 days away from their families, with a single goal: to represent Argentina in the best possible way.”I concluded by warning supporters not to be swayed by misinformation.“That’s why we shouldn’t be swayed by lies or schemes that only try to destabilize. It’s enough to try to turn against those who have given so much to our football.”
Scaloni also rejected conspiracy theories
Tapia’s comments echoed those of Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who also rejected suggestions that Vinčić’s referee had decided the outcome of the final.The Argentina manager admitted that Spain were simply the better team on the night, despite the disappointment of missing out on World Cup titles.
Argentina 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 had faced repeated allegations of receiving favorable refereeing decisions before the tournament. Among those who questioned the FIFA official was Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, who said soccer’s governing body wanted Lionel Messi and Argentina to stay in the competition as long as possible.Also read: Argentina President Javier Milei breaks silence after 23 million petition signatures calling for World Cup banDespite the ongoing online debate, FIFA has given no indication that the result of the World Cup final will be reviewed, with its ongoing investigation instead focused on post-match altercations involving members of the Argentina squad after the final whistle.In addition to the replay petition, another viral campaign circulated online calling for Argentina to be stripped of their place in future World Cups, attracting around 23 million signatures before it was removed. Like the replay petition, it has no official weight, but highlights the intense global reaction to the controversial final.