Petition To Ban Argentina From Future FIFA World Cups Crosses 23 Million Signatures

Published 23 July 2026 · sports

Petition To Ban Argentina From Future FIFA World Cups Crosses 23 Million Signatures Published By, Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 14:19 IST Petition to ban

Petition To Ban Argentina From Future FIFA World Cups Crosses 23 Million Signatures Published By, Last Updated: July 23, 2026, 14:19 IST Petition to ban Argentina from future FIFA World Cups reportedly garnered over 23 million signatures Lionel Messi-led Argentina were dethroned by Spain. (AP Photo) The past few days may not have been easy for Argentine football fans. After enduring an agonising 0-1 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, the Lionel Messi-led side has drawn criticism for their on-field aggression – during and after the match that nearly sparked a full-blown brawl with the Spanish players. Now, an online petition demanding the expulsion of Argentina from future World Cups has reportedly gathered an eye-popping 23 million-plus signatures. The campaign, hosted on argentinaout.com, was launched during the World Cup amid allegations from fans that Argentina have benefited from favourable refereeing decisions throughout the competition. The petition gained traction after the group stage and gathered pace after Argentina’s controversial knockout win over Egypt. Social media was replete with clips, screengrabs and snapshots from Argentina’s matches showing alleged bias.

According to the campaign organisers, the petition closed with 23,316,108 signatures from 170 countries after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final. The website states: “Over 23 Million people from 170 countries signed this petition in under a week. FIFA ignored us but Spain delivered. Thank you Spain." The total fell just short of the Guinness World Record for the largest petition, with the Jubilee 2000 debt relief campaign still holding the mark at 24,319,181 signatures. It must be noted that the petition has no official status. While FIFA hasn’t reacted to the online petition, the governing body has opened a disciplinary investigation into the post-final incidents. The probe will examine heated clashes involving several Argentine players and members of the coaching staff, including Nahuel Molina and Leandro Paredes. Paredes was seen involved in a physical altercation with members of the Spain squad as they were celebrating their World Cup triumph. Meanwhile, Enzo Fernandez, who was sent off during the closing stages of the final for a reckless challenge on Spain’s Pau Cubarsi, has defended Argentina’s action.

“As time goes by, you realise there is something much bigger than just a result," Fernandez wrote on Instagram. “For years, this group has represented the team in the best possible way. It teaches that competing isn’t just about winning; it’s about giving your all for the jersey and never giving up." “It has been a privilege to be part of a group that always stepped up, competed at the highest level, and defended these colours with pride, humility, and commitment. I want to thank all the Argentina fans. Thank you for always being there, for supporting us in every match, for the affection, for the unconditional support, and for making us feel at home anywhere in the world. Wearing my country’s jersey is the greatest honour of my career, and I will continue to give my all every time I get to defend it," he added. With AFP Inputs News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Could this petition impact future World Cup regulations? The petition to ban Argentina from future FIFA World Cups has garnered over 23 million signatures.