Millions of fans call for Argentina to be disqualified from the 2026 World Cup

Millions of fans call for Argentina to be disqualified reflects growing online demands for the Argentina squad to face consequences before the 2026 World Cup final. The calls have surged amid accusations of bias surrounding Lionel Messi’s side after Argentina beat England 2-1 in their semi-final on Wednesday, July 15. FIFA is also reviewing an incident in which Argentina players held up a banner referencing the Falkland Islands during celebrations after the win. One petition, hosted on a site called “Argentina Out,” has reportedly gathered more than 22 million signatures, alleging favoritism by FIFA and match officials, and referencing disputed calls in the semi-final, including a missed red card and claims of a Messi chokehold and a “preferred” referee. A second Change.org petition has nearly 9,000 signatures, requesting an independent investigation. Argentina is set to face Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19.