Spain’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final may have settled the trophy’s destination, but the controversy surrounding the showpiece continues to gather momentum days after the final whistle.A petition calling for the World Cup final to 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 officiated Sunday’s final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The petition accused the referee of a “controversial and corrupt” performance
Spain secured their second 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 ago.However, the result was not welcomed by a section of Argentina’s supporters.In: petitionSánchez accused Vinčić of giving a “controversial and corrupt” performance and urged FIFA to investigate some 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 said.“It is a big disappointment for the players, coaches, and, above all, for the fans who wish to see a game decided by talent and dedication on the pitch, and not by 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 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 the allegations beyond the videos circulating on social media that the organizer claims are in favor of Spain.
Spain dominated before sealing the win in extra time
Despite the reaction of some supporters, Spain were widely seen as the better side throughout the final.Luis de la Fuente’s team controlled possession for long periods, forcing Argentina into their own half and preventing the defending champions from registering a single shot on target during normal time.Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez repeatedly kept Argentina out of the contest before Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute of added 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 became more difficult after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off in the third minute of stoppage time at the end of normal time.Already booked for dissent after a disallowed 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 the start of extra time.According to the match statistics, Vinčić committed 46 fouls during the final, with 25 committed by Argentina as the match became more divisive.
Tempers flared after the final whistle
The disappointment carried over into the closing moments of the night.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 part of the confrontation after tackling Spain captain Rodri.The incidents have since been the subject of a separate FIFA disciplinary review.Speaking during ITV’s coverage, former England defender Gary Neville strongly criticized Argentina’s behaviour.“It’s a shame,” Neville said.“I like the competitiveness of the Argentines, fighting and killing them every game. Messi supports them sometimes and they are competitive and I like their element.“But it’s been a shame the last few games.”
A similar replay campaign emerged earlier in the tournament
Argentina’s petition is not the first online campaign to call for a replay of the World Cup in this tournament.Following 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.The campaign also gathered more than 82,000 signatures, although it had no effect on FIFA’s official results.Likewise, there is no indication that the latest petition will change the outcome of the World Cup final.Meanwhile, Change.org is also hosting petitions that take the opposite position. A campaign calling for Argentina to be banned from future World Cups gathered more than 29 million signatures before it was finally closed.Online debate aside, thousands of Argentina supporters gathered across the country after the team’s return home, applauding Lionel Scaloni’s squad for reaching a second consecutive World Cup final despite falling short of retaining their title against an impressive Spanish side.