Fans petition FIFA as Argentina Out nears Guinness mark
A viral "Argentina Out" petition gathered 23,316,108 signatures from 170 countries in under a week—just short of the Guinness World Record—after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final. Separately, fans petition FIFA for a replay over alleged refereeing irregularities, though FIFA is not expected to act.
Key Takeaways
- The closed "Argentina Out" campaign reached 23,316,108 signatures, just under the Guinness record of 24,319,181.
- Organizers said more than 23 million people from 170 countries signed in under a week.
- FIFA confirmed an investigation into Argentina over post-final clashes with Spain.
- A separate Change.org petition by Argentine fans seeking a FIFA replay surpassed 80,200 signatures.
- Online petitions have no power to force FIFA to annul or replay an official match.
How close did the Argentina Out petition come to a Guinness record?
According to Euronews, the now-closed "Argentina Out" appeal collected exactly 23,316,108 signatures. That total nearly topped the Guinness World Record for most signatories, which stands at 24,319,181.
The record still belongs to the 1997 Jubilee 2000 movement, which sought cancellation of unpayable debts owed by the world's poorest countries. The World Cup petition stated: "Over 23 million people from 170 countries signed this petition in under a week. FIFA ignored us but Spain delivered. Thank you Spain."
The petition accused FIFA and referees of bias toward Lionel Messi and Argentina, asking why others should compete "when the winner has already been decided." It called for Argentina to be kicked out of the tournament permanently. For more oddball tournament fallout, see our Bizarre World coverage.
Why are fans petitioning FIFA for a World Cup final replay?
After Spain's extra-time win on July 19 in New York, Argentine supporter Gisela Sánchez launched a Change.org petition urging FIFA to annul the result and order a replay. Ynetnews reported the campaign had drawn more than 80,200 signatures by Thursday, while beIN SPORTS earlier put the tally above 61,500.
The text criticizes Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić and alleges "irregularities" and decisions that influenced the outcome. Spain won 1-0 through an extra-time goal by Ferran Torres. Both outlets note the petition does not present verifiable evidence for those claims. FIFA has not commented and is not expected to consider the request.
What else is FIFA investigating after the final?
FIFA has confirmed Argentina will face an investigation into scenes after the final. Euronews reported altercations involving players Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada, plus assistant coach Roberto Ayala. Molina appeared to throw a punch at Spain captain Rodri; Paredes clashed with Eric Garcia.
FIFA's disciplinary committee appointed an ethics prosecutor. Conduct could be judged as violating decent-conduct rules or bringing football and/or FIFA into disrepute. The prosecutor can enforce a global ban. A similar French fans' petition after Spain's 2-0 semifinal win over France topped 82,000 signatures and likewise drew no public FIFA response.