The short answer
After Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain, Argentine fans launched a petition on Change.org demanding FIFA replay the match. The petition cites alleged refereeing errors, including a disputed penalty and an offside goal. As of July 22, 2026, it has over 61,000 signatures. FIFA has not commented. Similar petitions have appeared after other major matches, but FIFA has never ordered a replay. The petition is unlikely to succeed, as FIFA rules do not allow match replays based on fan petitions.Why it’s trending
The petition surpassed 61,000 signatures, drawing media coverage from beIN SPORTS, Goal.com, and Euronews. The story gained traction because of the high-profile nature of the World Cup final and the passionate response from Argentine fans. Additionally, a counter-petition to 'Kick Argentina out of the World Cup' nearly broke a Guinness World Record, adding to the buzz.
A petition demanding FIFA replay the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain has collected over 61,000 signatures, according to beIN SPORTS. Argentine fans claim that controversial refereeing decisions, including a penalty awarded to Spain and an offside goal, unfairly influenced the outcome. The petition, hosted on Change.org, argues that 'the defeat was not fair' and calls for a rematch.
Goal.com reports that the petition's organizers say they 'will not accept the defeat' and accuse the referee of bias. However, no official complaint has been filed with FIFA, and the governing body has not responded to the petition. Euronews notes that a counter-petition titled 'Kick Argentina out of the World Cup' has nearly broken a Guinness World Record for most signatures, highlighting the polarized reaction.
This is not the first time fans have demanded a World Cup final replay. After the 2010 final, some Dutch fans petitioned for a replay due to a controversial offside call, but FIFA dismissed it. Similarly, after the 2022 final, Argentine fans celebrated their win, but no replay was sought. FIFA's rules state that match results are final and cannot be overturned by petitions.
The petition is unlikely to lead to a replay, but it reflects the deep passion of Argentine football fans. It also underscores the growing trend of fan activism in sports. Moving forward, FIFA may face increased pressure to address refereeing controversies, but structural changes to review processes are more likely than match replays.
Timeline
- World Cup final: Spain defeats Argentina
Spain won 3-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with a penalty and a goal that Argentine fans considered controversial.
- Petition launched on Change.org
Argentine fans started a petition demanding FIFA replay the final, citing refereeing errors.
- Petition surpasses 61,000 signatures
beIN SPORTS reported the petition had over 61,000 signatures. A counter-petition to expel Argentina from the World Cup also gained traction.
- Media coverage spikes
Goal.com and Euronews publish articles on the petition and counter-petition, bringing global attention.
Questions people ask
Will FIFA replay the World Cup final?
No. FIFA has never ordered a replay based on a fan petition, and its rules state that match results are final. The petition is symbolic and unlikely to change the outcome.
How many signatures does the petition have?
As of July 22, 2026, the petition has over 61,000 signatures, according to beIN SPORTS.
What are the alleged refereeing errors?
Fans claim a penalty awarded to Spain was soft and that a Spanish goal was offside. However, no official review has confirmed these errors.
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