Slavko Vinčić (foto: Getty Images)
More than 80,000 supporters have signed a petition demanding a replay of the World Cup final, blaming Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić for Argentina’s defeat.
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Some Argentine supporters have found their explanation for losing the World Cup final, and it is neither Spain’s dominance nor Argentina’s failure to register a shot on target.
A petition published on Change.org demands that FIFA annul the result of the 2026 World Cup final and order Spain and Argentina to play the match again.
Spain won 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute, securing Spain’s second World Cup title.
The petition places responsibility for the result on Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić. Argentine supporter Gisela Sánchez launched the campaign and accused the official of making decisions which favoured Spain.
The text asks FIFA to investigate the refereeing “seriously and transparently” and consider staging another final without the influence of what the author describes as a “corrupt referee.”
No evidence has emerged to support the corruption accusation against Vinčić. The petition reflects the opinion of its author and signatories rather than an official complaint from the Argentine Football Association.
The campaign first passed 61,000 signatures and has since grown to more than 80,700. The number continues to rise as the petition spreads across Argentine social media pages.
Despite the response, the campaign has no legal or sporting authority. Change.org provides a platform for public petitions, but the organisation has no power over FIFA or the result of an official match.
Football matches do not receive replays because supporters disagree with refereeing decisions. Such action requires a specific breach of competition regulations, an ineligible player or another serious procedural failure established by the relevant football authorities.
FIFA has not indicated that it plans to review the result or consider another match. Spain therefore remains the official world champion, regardless of how many people sign the online campaign.
The final included several disputed moments. Vinčić sent off Enzo Fernández after showing the Argentine midfielder a second yellow card before extra time.
Argentina also protested against several fouls, while Spain had a Nico Williams goal disallowed after Vinčić penalised Mikel Merino for an earlier infringement. VAR had no grounds to intervene because the referee had stopped play before Williams placed the ball in the net.
The match statistics offer a less convenient explanation for Argentina’s defeat. Spain controlled possession, created more chances and prevented Lionel Scaloni’s team from producing a single shot on target across 120 minutes.
Online demands for replays have become a regular feature after major international defeats. French supporters gathered more than 82,000 signatures after France lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-final.
Another French petition followed the 2022 final in Qatar, where Argentina defeated France on penalties after a 3-3 draw. FIFA ignored the campaign and confirmed the original result.
The same outcome awaits the latest Argentine initiative. The petition provides frustrated supporters with a place to protest, but it will not bring Lionel Messi and his teammates back onto the pitch for another World Cup final.