Argentina's national football team rides aboard an open-top bus as it arrives at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) training camp in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires Province, on July 20, 2026, after returning from the United States following its defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
More than 23 million people have signed a petition to ban Argentina from playing in future World Cup matches.
Throughout the FIFA World Cup, played across three host nations, the United States, Canada and Mexico, between June 11 and July 19, the team faced scrutiny over controversial calls and player tactics. Referees were also accused of being biased towards Argentine players.
"It is obvious that FIFA and the referees are biased towards Lionel Messi and Argentina. Why should the rest of the world compete when the winner was already decided? Kick Argentina out and give everyone else a fair chance," the petition reads.
Argentina's midfielder #05 Leandro Paredes (top) clashes with Spain's midfielder #09 Gavi during the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina
