Spain’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final may have set the destination for the trophy, but the controversy surrounding the performance continues to gather momentum days after the final whistle.A petition demanding the World Cup final be replayed has now attracted 88,915 signatures at the time of writing, with thousands of Argentine supporters claiming the match was affected by controversial refereeing decisions.The online campaign, launched on Change.org by Argentinian supporter Gisela Sánchez, calls on FIFA to review the performance of Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, who oversaw Sunday’s final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The petition accuses the referee of “controversial and corrupt” performance.
Spain secured their second men’s World Cup title courtesy of Ferran Torres’ winner in the 106th minute after extra time, ending Argentina’s hopes of defending the trophy they won four years earlier.However, the result was not accepted by a section of Argentine supporters.In the petitionSánchez alleges that Vinčić made 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 marred by the controversial and corrupt performance of the referee who, according to video evidence, was bought to influence the outcome of the match,” the petition says.“It is a monumental disappointment for the players, the coaches and, above all, for the fans who long 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 the replay of the final, this time without the influence of a corrupt referee.”
88,000 Argentina fans demand replay of World Cup final after ‘controversial and corrupt’ referee claims
The petition, however, does not provide independently verified evidence to support the allegations beyond the videos circulating on social media that the organizer says favors Spain.
Spain dominated before sealing the victory in extra time
Despite the backlash from some supporters, Spain were widely seen as the best team in the final.Luis de la Fuente’s side controlled possession for long spells, locked Argentina in 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 tougher 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 for a reckless challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí, reducing Lionel Scaloni’s side to ten men before extra time.According to match statistics, Vinčić awarded 46 fouls during the final, with 25 committed by Argentina as the match became increasingly fragmented.
Tempers flared after the final whistle
The frustration carried into the final moments of the evening.Immediately after Spain were confirmed as world champions, ugly scenes broke out 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 stir up some of the controversy after confronting Spain captain Rodri.The incidents have since become the subject of a separate disciplinary review by FIFA.Speaking during ITV’s coverage, former England defender Gary Neville strongly criticized Argentina’s conduct.“It’s unfortunate,” said Neville.“I love the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and scrapping for their lives every game. Messi has supported him at times and they are very competitive and I like that element of them.“But it’s been unfortunate the last few games.”
Similar replay campaign emerged earlier in the tournament
Argentina’s petition is not the first online campaign asking for a repeat of the World Cup during this tournament.After Spain’s semi-final victory over France, French supporters launched a similar petition on Change.org after disputing a controversial incident that led to the penalty that opened the scoring.This campaign also gathered more than 82,000 signatures, although it did not have an effect on the official result of FIFA.Also, there is no indication that the latest petition will change the outcome of the World Cup final.Meanwhile, Change.org has also hosted petitions that take the opposite position. A campaign calling for Argentina to be banned from future World Cups amassed more than 29 million signatures before eventually being shut down.Away from the online debate, thousands of Argentina supporters gathered across the country after the team’s return home, applauding Lionel Scaloni’s side for reaching a second consecutive World Cup final despite failing to retain their title against an impressive Spanish side.