The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is reportedly considering legal action against media outlets and social media accounts over what it describes as a coordinated misinformation campaign targeting the national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the federation's legal team is gathering evidence as it explores potential defamation lawsuits following weeks of allegations surrounding Argentina's run to the final.
Why is the AFA considering legal action?
Argentina faced intense scrutiny throughout the World Cup, with several conspiracy theories circulating online claiming FIFA officials favoured Lionel Scaloni's side during the tournament.
The criticism intensified after Argentina's controversial knockout victory over Egypt and continued
through the World Cup final, where Spain defeated the defending champions 1-0 after extra time.
According to Romano, the AFA believes much of the online content consisted of false allegations and manipulated material.
He wrote:
"AFA is considering taking LEGAL ACTION over the misinformation campaign against Argentina and their players during the World Cup. "
Who could face legal action?
According to the report, the AFA is considering defamation lawsuits against both traditional media organisations and individuals on social media.
The legal action would reportedly focus on:
- False allegations made without evidence.
- Manipulated or edited images.
- Unverified photographs and videos.
- Defamatory claims directed at Argentina's players and officials.
Romano added:
"The Argentina Football Federation will go ALL IN. They will not only target big media outlets, but also accounts on X, IG, and many more outlets. "
He also claimed the federation's legal team is already collecting posts and other material that could be used as evidence.
What sparked the online backlash?
Argentina's campaign became one of the tournament's biggest talking points for reasons beyond football.
Among the controversies were:
- Claims from some fans and pundits that refereeing decisions favoured Argentina.
- Egypt striker Mostafa Ziko alleging the tournament was "rigged" after his team's Round of 16 defeat.
- Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan suggesting FIFA wanted Argentina to progress "for marketing. "
- Widespread criticism of Argentina's physical approach in several knockout matches.
- The post-match altercations following the World Cup final defeat to Spain.
FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, rejected suggestions that officials had shown bias during the tournament, defending the integrity of the refereeing team and warning against baseless accusations.
FIFA already investigating Argentina
Separate from the reported legal action, FIFA has already opened disciplinary proceedings into Argentina's conduct after the World Cup final.
The investigation relates to clashes involving several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff following the final whistle.
Reports have linked players including Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes and Thiago Almada, as well as assistant coach Roberto Ayala, to the incidents under review.
It was also later clarified that reports claiming Paredes received a post-match red card were inaccurate.
Has the AFA filed any lawsuits?
Not yet.
At this stage, the AFA is considering legal action and reportedly gathering evidence before deciding whether to proceed with defamation claims.
No lawsuits have been officially filed, and the federation has yet to announce which individuals or organisations could become the subject of legal proceedings.
If pursued, the case would mark one of the most significant legal responses by a national football association to online misinformation surrounding a FIFA World Cup.
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