FIFA opens probe after Egypt accuses officials of rigging Argentina match

Egypt's 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday has triggered a growing diplomatic and sporting dispute, with the Egyptian Football Association filing an official complaint with FIFA and accusing match officials of "grave refereeing mistakes" that cost their team a place in the quarterfinals.tbsnews+2

"This Was Clearly a Rigged Match"

The match in Atlanta saw Egypt take a commanding 2-0 lead through headers from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko before Argentina mounted a historic comeback — the first time in World Cup history a team has rallied from two goals down in the 75th minute or later to win in regulation. Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernandez scored in the final 14 minutes to send the defending champions through.sports.yahoo+2

Egypt's fury centers on two key decisions: a disallowed goal by Ziko following a VAR review that cited a foul in the build-up, and an unchecked penalty appeal deep in stoppage time after Hamdy Fathy appeared to be fouled in the area. Argentina scored the winner on the ensuing attack.tbsnews

Head coach Hossam Hassan was unsparing in his criticism. "I will say what's on my mind regardless of the consequence; this was clearly a rigged match, and the whole world saw it," he said after the game. "If they want them to win so bad, why call everyone to come and participate?"tbsnews

Ziko echoed his coach: "Congratulations to Argentina on the World Cup; the tournament was rigged; they didn't need anything else."tbsnews

FIFA Opens Investigation

The Egyptian Football Association lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, while Al Jazeera reported the VAR decisions raised broader questions about the tournament's legitimacy. A Mexican referee publicly attempted to explain the VAR error, according to Marca. FIFA has reportedly opened an investigation into the match officiating.aljazeera+3

Pride Despite Heartbreak

Despite the bitter exit, Egypt's campaign has drawn widespread praise. For the first time in World Cup history, Egypt won a match in the competition, advanced beyond the group stage, and progressed through the first knockout round. France 24 reported scenes of celebration mixed with tears among Egyptian supporters, noting the team had rewritten "the nation's footballing history."france24

The Confederation of African Football praised the Pharaohs for their tournament performance, while Al Jazeera noted tributes pouring in from fans across the Arab world, including in Gaza. Hassan, despite his anger at the officiating, said he was proud of his players' achievements.aljazeera+2

Argentina, meanwhile, advance to face the quarterfinal winner of Switzerland's match against Colombia.sports.yahoo