Argentina Fans Demand World Cup Final Replay
Thousands of Argentina supporters have called on FIFA to replay the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, claiming the match was marred by corrupt officiating.
The reigning champions struggled throughout the game, failing to register a single shot on target during regular time. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez kept Argentina in contention with a series of crucial saves before a breakthrough goal finally arrived.
Argentina’s situation deteriorated in stoppage time when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in the 93rd minute, resulting in his dismissal and leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to finish the match with ten men.
After the final whistle, tempers flared as players from both sides engaged in a heated confrontation. Leandro Paredes was seen kicking and punching while pushing Eric García to the ground before clashing with Gavi. Reports also indicated that Nahuel Molina triggered the melee by throwing a punch at Rodri.
The controversy extended beyond the pitch. A petition on Change.org demanding a replay of the final has attracted more than 82,000 signatures. Petition author Gisela Sánchez accused Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic of influencing the outcome and urged FIFA to review the match.
Sánchez wrote, “The recent final between Argentina and Spain was tarnished by the controversial and corrupt performance of the referee who, according to video evidence, was bought to influence the match’s outcome.” She added that allowing such corruption to go unchecked sets a dangerous precedent for future generations of athletes and fans.
Separate petitions have also surfaced calling for FIFA to ban Argentina from future competitions. One appeal seeking the country’s exclusion from all upcoming World Cups reportedly gathered more than 29 million signatures before it was closed.
Match statistics show Vincic whistled for 46 fouls, with Argentina responsible for 25 of them. Fernández’s dismissal came after a booking for dissent following a denied free‑kick and a second caution for a reckless tackle on Pau Cubarsi. The final was frequently disrupted by fouls and stoppages before Spain eventually scored the winner in extra time.
FIFA is now examining the conduct of several Argentina players after the chaotic scenes at full‑time drew widespread criticism.
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