Argentina FA urges fans to accept Spain World Cup victory as viral petition surpasses 100,000 signaturesThe Argentine Football Association (AFA) has urged players to accept Spain’s victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals after a fan-led petition demanding a replay spread in the days following Argentina’s defeat in New Jersey.Spain secured their second men’s World Cup victory with a 1-0 extra-time victory 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 dominated the contest, as Argentina struggled to find chances and finished the game with 10 men following Enzo Fernández’s late dismissal.The final has remained in the headlines ever since, not only because of the post-match controversy involving several Argentine players, but also because of the growing conspiracy theories surrounding the manager.
Play again requests benefit online
On the Internet a petition was started on Change.org Argentina’s supporter Gisela Sánchez has gathered more than 101,613 confirmed followers, asking FIFA to repeat the World Cup final.The petition alleges that Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić committed “disruptive and fraudulent behavior” and calls on FIFA to investigate several decisions made during the match.His full disclosure reflects concerns about the administrator’s integrity, saying the latter was clouded by bias and questionable decisions. It says fans expect matches to be chosen with skill and effort rather than phone calls, and warns that failure to address such issues could damage confidence in the sport.
Argentina players react during the World Cup final 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 on the Internet that fans believe show the decisions to be biased, positioning the issue as one that will go beyond Argentina, affecting the integrity of football around the world.It concludes with a direct appeal to FIFA:“Therefore, we ask FIFA to review these events seriously and clearly, and consider a final replay – this time without the influence of a corrupt referee.”However, no evidence has been presented to prove that the referee or FIFA acted improperly, and there is nothing to suggest that the game was affected by bribery or corruption.In addition, Change.org petitions are not jurisdictional or sporting, and FIFA rules allow for replays only in the event of a crisis, not because of a disagreement with the referee’s decision.Also read: Argentine President Javier Milei has broken his silence after 23 million people signed a petition to end the World Cup ban.
Claudio Tapia has rejected the request for a repeat
In the midst of a growing online campaign, the president of the Argentina Football Association, Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, has distanced the organization from the replay and urged supporters to accept the result.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, left, and Argentina Soccer Association President Claudio Tapia applaud during the 32nd World Cup soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
In a lengthy message shared on Instagram, Tapia acknowledged Spain’s greatness on the day as he urged fans to continue supporting the national team despite disappointment.Tapia wrote: “We could not pass through Spain.”“We couldn’t beat Spain. They were superior, they won fair and square, and we have to accept it.”He also said that accepting defeat is part of the great game.“In sports, you also learn to accept defeat with the grace with which you celebrate victory.”Despite admitting that missing out on the World Cup final was painful, Tapia reminded his fans that the team has once again reached the highest level in international football.“Yes, we lost in the final. But it is also true that this team brought great joy to the country.”“Losing hurts. It hurts because we’re competitive, because we’re the best team in history, and because second place isn’t good enough for us.”The AFA president also defended the commitment shown by Lionel Scaloni’s team throughout the game.“Let’s think about the dedication of these players, coaches, and everyone who worked for more than 50 days away from their families, with one goal: to represent Argentina in the best possible way.”He concluded by warning his followers not to be swayed by fake news.“That’s why you shouldn’t get carried away by lies or conspiracies that only want to confuse. Enough of trying to criticize those who have given so much to our football.”
Scaloni also rejected conspiracy theories
Tapia’s comments echo those previously made by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, who also rejected suggestions that manager Vinčić had decided to end the season.The Argentine manager admitted that Spain were simply the better team on the night, despite his disappointment at missing out on back-to-back World Cup titles.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni reacts during the World Cup soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Ironically, Argentina have also been repeatedly accused of receiving favorable refereeing decisions at the start of the tournament. One of FIFA’s skeptics is Egyptian head coach Hossam Hassan, who said the governing body wants Lionel Messi and Argentina to stay in the competition for a long time.Also read: Argentine President Javier Milei has broken his silence after 23 million people signed a petition to end the World Cup ban.While the controversy continues to rage online, FIFA has not announced that the results of the World Cup final will be reviewed, with the ongoing investigation focusing instead on post-match altercations involving Argentine players following the final whistle.In addition to the repeated petition, another viral campaign has spread online calling for Argentina to be stripped of their place in future World Cups, reportedly attracting nearly 23 million signatures before being stripped. Like the appeal, it has no legal effect but it shows how the rest of the country will react in the end.
