Days after Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a petition calling for the match to be replayed has drawn more than 80,700 signatures. The campaign, launched on Change.org by fan Gisela Sánchez, accuses Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic of delivering a “controversial and corrupt” performance and urges FIFA to review several of his decisions.
The petition cites no verified evidence beyond social-media clips that the organiser claims show incidents favouring Spain. FIFA’s regulations permit a replay only in exceptional circumstances, such as a serious breach of competition rules or a decision by the governing body’s competent authorities before the result is officially confirmed. A Change.org petition, regardless of its signatory count, carries no legal or sporting weight to alter the outcome or Spain’s title.
Precedent for Replay Petitions
This is not the first such campaign. After Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, more than 200,000 French supporters signed a petition demanding a replay over concerns about Polish referee Szymon Marciniak’s performance. Argentina’s response at the time was to tell critics to “stop crying.”
Historical precedents for match replays are rare and decades old. In 2006, a World Cup qualifier between Uzbekistan and Bahrain was replayed due to a technical error by the referee, not because of disputed on-field decisions. Sports courts have consistently refused to order replays based on refereeing calls, no matter how controversial.
While the petition continues to attract signatures, Argentinians have taken to the streets in a different manner. On the day of the defeat, tens of thousands gathered in cities across the country to celebrate the team’s run to the final, despite falling just short of a fourth world title.
FIFA Investigation Focuses on Post-Match Incidents
Separate from the petition, FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation—not into the refereeing, but into clashes that occurred after the final whistle. The governing body has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to examine a number of altercations between players from both teams.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been singled out in a separate petition that has gathered up to 23 million signatures. Footage appears to show him grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the neck and shoving Gavi during Spain’s celebrations, an incident that led to his dismissal after the final whistle. FIFA is also reviewing the behaviour of Nahuel Molina, who is alleged to have struck Rodri, and the possible involvement of Roberto Ayala, Lionel Scaloni’s assistant coach, in shoving Dani Olmo.
The investigation covers the trophy presentation, during which several Argentina players turned their backs as Spain lifted the trophy. It also revives an issue from the semi-finals, when Argentina players displayed a banner asserting the country’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands after eliminating England—an incident for which the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has already been fined. For more on this, see our report: FIFA Probes Argentina Over Post-Final Clashes and Political Banner.
The petition to expel Argentina from the World Cup, which has neared a Guinness World Record with 23 million signatures, underscores the intensity of the fallout. Read more: Petition to Expel Argentina from World Cup Nears Guinness Record with 23 Million Signatures.
While the replay petition reflects fan frustration, FIFA’s focus remains on the disciplinary proceedings. The governing body has not commented on the refereeing allegations, and no timeline has been given for the investigation’s conclusion.
