An online petition demanding that Argentina’s national team be permanently banned from the World Cup gathered more than 23 million signatures in under one week.
The appeal, titled ‘Argentina Out,’ drew a ridiculous 23,316,108 signatures from 170 countries worldwide.
An initial target of five million was set by organisers, but the final total blew past that to become one of the most circulated online petitions in history.
Launched during the 2026 World Cup by irate football fans, it accused FIFA and match referees of ‘bias’ towards Argentina and captain Lionel Messi, something FIFA strongly denied.
“Why should the rest of the teams play in the tournament if the winner is known in advance?” the text on the petition read.
“Exclude Argentina from the World Cup and give everyone a fair chance.”
La Albiceleste were beaten 1-0 in Sunday’s final by Spain, and legendary forward Messi left the pitch in tears amid ugly scenes at the full-time whistle.
Following the conclusion of the tournament, in which Argentina’s behaviour had been described as ‘classless’, the petition has been closed.
Its website now reads: “FIFA ignored us but Spain delivered. Thank you Spain.”
Ultimately, angry fans haven’t got their wish, and Argentina will continue to compete in future World Cup tournaments, starting in 2030, where they are one of multiple hosts for an expanded, 64-team format.
Anti-Argentina petition came close to setting world record
With more than 23 million signatures, the ‘Argentina Out’ petition fell just short of a Guinness World Record.
The Jubilee 2000, an international movement which called for the cancellation of unpayable debts owed by the world’s poorest countries, still holds the record.
It began in April 1997, and by the time it was handed over at the UN Millennium summit in New York at the end of 2000, the number of signatories had reached 24,319,181 from 166 countries.
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As wide as its circulation was, the ‘Argentina Out’ petition was never going to have any serious impact on FIFA, or international football as a whole.
The sport’s governing body never acknowledged its demands, and any other online movement like it will never have any legal bearing on the nation’s participation in international tournaments.
Counter-petition launched to replay World Cup final
That fact, though, hasn’t deterred Argentina fans from creating their own petition in the wake of World Cup final heartbreak.
In the days since the showpiece in New York, more than 80,000 fans have reportedly signed an Argentine petition to replay the match due to ‘rigged refereeing decisions.’
Gisela Sanchez created the petition page on Change.org, and appealed for fellow supporters to back her call for a rematch.
However, while her petition has gathered more than 80,000 signatures, the organiser has provided no verified evidence to support the allegations.
“The recent final between Argentina and Spain was tarnished by the controversial and corrupt performance of the referee who, according to video evidence, was bought to influence the match’s outcome,” she wrote, sharing the baseless claim.
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“It is a MONUMENTAL disappointment for the players, coaches, and, above all, for the fans who crave to see a game decided by talent and dedication on the pitch, and not by rigged refereeing decisions.
“If we allow corruption to go unnoticed on this global stage, we are setting a bad example for future generations of athletes and fans.
“Therefore, we ask FIFA to review these incidents with seriousness and transparency, and to consider replaying the final — this time without the influence of a CORRUPT referee.”
Much like the 23 million strong appeal against Argentina, an online call to replay the final will have no legal or sporting effect on the result, or Spain’s second World Cup title.
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