World Cup billboard goes viral: 'How many penalties will be awarded to Argentina?'

With the 2026 North American World Cup just 10 days away, a provocative advertising billboard in Santiago, Chile, has ignited a firestorm on social media. The massive display, erected by a betting company, poses a pointed question that has quickly gone viral: "How many penalties will be awarded to Argentina?"

According to the newspaper La Hora, the billboard is strategically located in the center of Santiago. The question is a thinly veiled jab at the reigning world champions, Argentina, referencing the controversy surrounding their performance in the previous World Cup. The irony is palpable, as the ad directly challenges the legitimacy of their success.

The provocative inquiry is rooted in the events of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. During that tournament, Argentina was awarded five penalties, a record number for any single World Cup campaign. This statistic became a major talking point and fueled debates about the fairness of officiating and the team's path to victory.

The betting company's bold move taps into this ongoing discussion, leveraging public fascination and controversy surrounding the Argentinian national team. As the countdown to the next World Cup continues, this billboard serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny and skepticism that will likely follow Argentina's title defense.