2026 World Cup: AFA Considers Legal Action Over Alleged Anti-Argentina Misinformation Campaign
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is contemplating legal action against a coordinated misinformation campaign against the national team and its players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
False accusations, manipulated or unsubstantiated images, and unverified claims have led to the AFA considering defamation claims against people and groups, according to football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
“AFA is considering to take LEGAL ACTION on the misinformation campaign against Argentina and their players during the World Cup,” Romano wrote.
The lawsuits could be for defamation, based on false allegations, manipulated or unverified images, or allegations made without any evidence.
“The Argentina Football Federation will go ALL IN. This will be going after big media outlets, as well as accounts on 𝕏, IG and many more outlets.
AFA’s legal team is gathering evidence, posts and other material.
Read Also: Information Minister Defends President Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
The move follows a wave of criticism for Argentina following their 1-0 loss to Spain in extra time in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
Argentina had beaten England in the semi-finals to reach their second World Cup final in a row and were said to have finished the final with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off before Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time.
Argentina were at the centre of a number of controversies during the tournament. Conspiracy theories were circulating online that FIFA officials were biased towards Lionel Messi and the holders.
The claims first gained traction when Messi escaped a booking for a strong challenge on Algeria in Argentina’s opening Group J game. Egypt striker Mostafa Ziko later claimed the competition was “rigged” after his side lost 3-2 to Argentina in the last 16.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan added: “They want Argentina and Messi to stay in the World Cup for marketing.
Fifa’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina denied the claims and stood by French referee Francois Letexier.
Argentina again came under fire after players unfurled a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” after their semi-final victory over England, reviving the long-running Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute. FIFA has confirmed it is investigating the incident but has not taken any disciplinary action.
Tempers flared too in the final when Leandro Paredes confronted Spanish players and threw Gavi to the ground, leading to more accusations of unsporting behaviour.
The backlash was not just limited to football, Argentine newspaper La Nacion reported, with Argentines in countries such as Brazil, Spain and Germany saying they were harassed or insulted after the final.
The newspaper also published a widely shared video of a man wearing an Argentina shirt being attacked at Madrid’s Sol metro station. Spain’s National Police told La Nacion no formal complaint has been made and said it could not verify when the incident occurred.
