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
A petition demanding Argentina's ban from future World Cup matches has garnered 23 million signatures.
Throughout the 2026 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.
After Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final, fans were enraged by the players' violent clashes following the final whistle, sparked the petition titled 'Kick Argentina Out', which has gained 23,316,108 signatures.
