'Kick Argentina Out of the World Cup' Petition Nears Guinness World Record

A viral online petition calling for Argentina to be permanently removed from the FIFA World Cup has attracted more than 23 million signatures, placing it close to breaking the Guinness World Record for the most signatures on a petition.

The campaign gained momentum after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time. FIFA has since confirmed it is investigating post-match incidents involving several Argentina players and officials following altercations with Spanish players.

According to reports, Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at Spain captain Rodri, while Leandro Paredes clashed with Spain defender Eric Garcia. Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also reportedly involved. FIFA's disciplinary committee has appointed an ethics prosecutor to review the incidents, with possible violations including breaching standards of conduct and bringing football into disrepute.

The petition, titled "Argentina Out," also alleges bias by FIFA and match officials in favour of Argentina and Lionel Messi. It argues that the integrity of the tournament was compromised and calls for Argentina to be expelled from future World Cups.

The petition has now closed after collecting 23,316,108 signatures, falling just short of the Guinness World Record of 24,319,181 signatures, set by the Jubilee 2000 campaign in 1997, which sought the cancellation of debts owed by the world's poorest countries.

The petition's organisers claimed that more than 23 million people from 170 countries signed the appeal in less than a week, stating: "FIFA ignored us but Spain delivered. Thank you Spain."

Note: The claims made in the petition reflect the views of its organisers and signatories. FIFA has confirmed an investigation into post-match incidents but has not announced any decision regarding Argentina's participation in future tournaments.