Campaign targets Argentina
An online campaign calling for Argentina to be banned from future FIFA World Cups claims to have attracted more than 23 million signatures.
The petition, titled “Kick Argentina Out”, accuses FIFA and match officials of favouring Lionel Messi and the Argentine national team during the 2026 tournament.
Its organisers claim 23 316 108 people supported the campaign.
However, the total has not been independently verified. A Change.org petition carrying the same wording displayed only several thousand verified signatures.
The campaign has no legal authority to remove Argentina from FIFA competitions.
Refereeing bias alleged
The petition claims controversial decisions during the tournament benefited Argentina.
“It is obvious that FIFA and the referees are biased towards Lionel Messi and Argentina,” its description reads.
It asks why other teams should compete if supporters believe the winner has already been decided.
No evidence proving that FIFA or referees manipulated matches in Argentina’s favour has been presented.
FIFA has also not announced any plan to ban the South American team from future competitions.
Final ended in defeat
Argentina reached the World Cup final but lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July.
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute, securing Spain’s second men’s World Cup title.
Tensions reportedly rose after the final whistle, with several Argentine players involved in confrontations.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente later described the reactions as unacceptable, while continuing to praise Argentina’s players and coaching staff.
Petition unlikely to force action
The campaign follows similar online efforts launched after previous World Cup controversies.
After Argentina defeated France in the 2022 final, some French supporters signed a petition demanding that the match be replayed.
Argentine supporters have also launched a separate campaign calling for the 2026 final against Spain to be replayed over alleged refereeing concerns.
Petitions can draw public attention, but FIFA is not required to act on them.
Unless the organisation finds a breach of its disciplinary or competition rules, Argentina remains eligible for future World Cups.