More than 82,000 football fans have signed a petition demanding a replay of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final following Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain.
The petition alleges that Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic influenced the outcome of the final, claims that have not been substantiated by FIFA.
Spain defeated Argentina at the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute after a dominant display by the European champions.
Argentina, the defending champions, failed to register a shot on target during normal time and finished the match with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off in the 93rd minute.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez made several saves to keep Argentina in the contest before eventually being beaten by Torres in extra time.
The match ended on a tense note, with several Argentina players involved in post-match altercations. According to The Mirror, Leandro Paredes was seen confronting Spain players Eric Garcia and Gavi, while Nahuel Molina allegedly threw a punch at Rodri, prompting FIFA to review the incidents.
Meanwhile, a Change.org petition calling for the final to be replayed has attracted more than 82,000 signatures.
The petition’s author, Gisela Sanchez, urged FIFA to annul the result, alleging that the officiating was biased.
“The recent final between Argentina and Spain was marred by the controversial and corrupt actions of the referee who, as per video evidence, was allegedly bribed to sway the match’s outcome,” Sanchez wrote.
She added:
“This is a significant disappointment for the players, coaches and, most importantly, the fans who want matches decided by skill and commitment rather than 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 has called for Argentina to be banned from future FIFA competitions over the conduct of its players during and after the final.
According to reports, one petition advocating the country’s exclusion from future World Cups amassed more than 29 million signatures before it was closed.
During the final, referee Vincic awarded 46 fouls, with Argentina responsible for 25 of them.
Fernández was dismissed after receiving two yellow cards in the second half—first for dissent after a free-kick appeal was rejected and later for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí.
The encounter was frequently interrupted by fouls before Spain eventually secured victory in extra time. FIFA is also reviewing the conduct of Argentina’s players following the heated conclusion to the match.
