The Egyptian national football team and its coaches expressed strong dissatisfaction with the officiating during their 3-2 loss to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

Head coach Hossam Hassan accused officials of unfair treatment, claiming that key decisions—such as the disallowance of Egypt's second goal after a VAR review—were influenced by external factors.He suggested that the outcome may have been manipulated to keep Argentina in the tournament, given their status as world champions.Forward Mostafa Ziko echoed these sentiments, calling the referee's actions biased and alleging the match was 'rigged.

' While FIFA has not officially commented on the allegations, the controversy highlights ongoing tensions over VAR decisions and perceived bias in high-stakes matches.

The incident underscores broader debates about fairness in international football, particularly as Argentina advanced to the quarterfinals with Lionel Messi remaining a central figure.Critics argue that while some calls were contentious, Egypt's defensive lapses—allowing three goals in 25 minutes—also contributed to the result.

The situation reflects the intense scrutiny faced by referees and technology in modern soccer, where even minor decisions can dramatically impact outcomes.