SerpApi.Org
A growing online movement is calling on FIFA to replay the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after Spain's 1-0 victory over Argentina, but experts say the chances of that happening remain extremely slim.
An online Change.org petition launched by Argentine supporter Gisela Sánchez has attracted more than 80,000 signatures, according to multiple reports, after fans questioned several refereeing decisions made during the championship match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
The petition asks FIFA to review the match and consider a replay, alleging that officiating decisions influenced the outcome.
Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
Spain captured the World Cup title thanks to an extra-time goal from Ferran Torres, defeating defending champion Argentina 1-0 in one of the tournament's most dramatic matches. The loss ended Argentina's bid to win back-to-back World Cup championships.
Why are Argentina fans demanding a World Cup final replay?
The petition centers on criticism of Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, whose officiating has come under scrutiny from some Argentina supporters following the final. The petition claims several key decisions affected the flow and outcome of the match and calls for a "serious and transparent" review by FIFA.
According to reports, Sánchez wrote that the World Cup final was marred by "controversial and corrupt conduct" by the referee and argued that videos circulating online show decisions that "clearly favored one team over the other, altering the natural course of the match."
The petition states:
"This is not merely a matter of justice for Argentina, but for the future of world football. We must ensure the integrity of referees at all levels of the sport."
The campaign also describes itself as a fight for fairness "not only for Argentina, but for the future of world football."
What incidents are supporters questioning?
Reports indicate much of the controversy revolves around officiating decisions during the final, including disciplinary calls involving Argentine players. One of the most discussed moments came when Enzo Fernández was shown a second yellow card and sent off, leaving Argentina with 10 men during a crucial stage of the match. Some supporters have cited that decision as evidence that impacted the outcome.
Supporters behind the petition have alleged a pattern of decisions that they believe favored Spain, though reports note the petition does not provide independently verified evidence supporting claims of wrongdoing.
How many signatures does the petition have?
The number has continued to climb.
Reports on July 22 indicated the petition had surpassed 61,000 signatures, while other reports published July 23 said the total had exceeded 67,500 and later 80,000 signatures as attention spread across social media and international news outlets.
The rapid growth has helped make the replay campaign one of the most talked-about World Cup stories in the days following the final.
Can FIFA replay the World Cup final?
In short, almost certainly not.
Multiple reports note that petitions on platforms such as Change.org have no legal or regulatory authority over FIFA competitions. A World Cup result cannot be overturned simply because fans are unhappy with officiating decisions, and a replay would require extraordinary circumstances under FIFA's regulations and disciplinary procedures.
Football governing bodies generally only consider replays in rare cases involving specific rule violations or exceptional circumstances, not fan petitions after controversial refereeing decisions.
Argentina's coach rejects claims Spain didn't deserve the title
While supporters continue to push the petition, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has reportedly rejected suggestions that officiating unfairly cost his team the championship.
According to reports, Scaloni said Spain deserved its victory despite the disappointment of the result, undercutting one of the central arguments promoted by supporters backing the replay effort.
Similar petitions emerged during the tournament
The Argentina petition is not the first replay campaign linked to the 2026 World Cup.
During the tournament, French supporters also launched a Change.org petition demanding a replay of Spain's semifinal victory over France after a controversial decision that preceded Spain's opening goal. That effort reportedly gathered more than 82,000 signatures but had no impact on FIFA's official result.
A similar petition was launched by French supporters following the 2022 World Cup final, and it likewise had no effect on the outcome.
For now, Spain remains the officially recognized 2026 FIFA World Cup champion, and despite the petition's growing popularity online, there is no indication FIFA is considering a replay of the final.
Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based journalist covering trending and breaking topics across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions for the USA TODAY Network.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Will FIFA replay the World Cup final? Argentina petition tops 80,000 signatures
