Egypt's Football Association filed a formal complaint with FIFA after the Pharaohs' 3-2 loss to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, demanding that the match officials be removed from the tournament. The federation accused the referee and his team of operating under "double standards" and inconsistent standards throughout the game.
Egypt had led 2-0 before Argentina staged a dramatic comeback to advance to the quarter-finals. The complaint centres on several controversial refereeing decisions that the Egyptian federation believes cost them the match.
VAR disallowed a goal by Mostafa Zico for an alleged foul, a decision Egypt claims was wrong. The federation also argues that VAR failed to review a challenge on Mohamed Salah moments before Argentina's stoppage-time winner, which they say should have been penalised.
The Egyptian Football Association stated it "cannot remain silent" about what it viewed as unfair officiating and called for French referee François Letexier and his entire officiating crew to be suspended for the rest of the tournament. Head coach Hossam Hassan echoed these concerns in the post-match period.
Hassan told the federation that Egypt had been "cheated" and suggested "external factors" had worked in Argentina's favour, according to the association. He insisted his team had been robbed of a quarter-final spot.
The disputed result has ignited fierce debate online, with social media users claiming Argentina benefited from favourable refereeing decisions throughout the competition. Some have alleged the World Cup has been "rigged" in favour of the defending champions.
FIFA had not issued a public response to Egypt's complaint as of press time.
