Argentina came from 2–0 down to win 3–2

2026, July 8

United States

2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match: Egypt national football team 2–3 Argentina national football team

After Argentina came from 2–0 down to win 3–2, Egypt's players and coaching staff made extraordinary accusations against FIFA, alleging the tournament had been "fixed" to keep Argentina and Lionel Messi in the competition.

The controversy centers on two key incidents:

Egypt believed Mostafa Ziko had a legitimate goal incorrectly disallowed after a VAR review.

Egypt also argued they should have been awarded a penalty for an alleged foul on Hamdy Fathy shortly before Argentina scored the winning goal in stoppage time.

Following the match:

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan accused officials of unfair refereeing and suggested FIFA wanted Argentina to remain in the tournament, saying he would stop watching the World Cup after what he described as an unjust outcome.

Mostafa Ziko went further, claiming, "If they want Argentina to win so badly, why ask everyone else to participate?" and alleged the tournament was effectively "fixed."

However, there is no verified evidence that FIFA manipulated or fixed the match. The accusations are based on Egypt's interpretation of controversial refereeing and VAR decisions, not on independently established proof. Multiple news organizations reporting on the incident note that the allegations remain unsubstantiated.

The result sends Argentina through to the quarter-finals, where they are scheduled to face Switzerland national football team.