A number of refereeing decisions came under scrutiny in Argentina’s 3-2 win over Egypt in the Round of 16 of FIFA World Cup 2026.
While Argentina scripted a sensational 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 encounter, the match was not devoid of controversy. Egypt had a goal disallowed in the second half by VAR, while the referees also came under scrutiny. Following rants from Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan and forward Mostafa Ziko, many social media users also criticised several decisions made by match referee Francois Letexier. The incidents, which went Argentina’s way, caused a furore on the internet.
In the first half, replays appeared to show Argentina right-back Nahuel Molina fouling Egypt winger Emam Ashour with an outstretched arm. However, Molina was not penalised for the challenge.
VAR only focus was to check Egypt player simply touching Agentinian players, not the other way around. #FIFA #VAR pic.twitter.com/UiqKEoTWLa
— Survivor (@Wasim_wazir) July 7, 2026
Another decision that left several social media users unhappy was when Egypt were not awarded a penalty in the second half, after Mohamed Salah went down in Argentina’s box after a challenge from left-back Nicolas Tagliafico.
Replays showed that Tagliafico may have caught Salah on the toe, causing the Egypt star to lose possession and go down.
– no foul (penalty actually)
– no var
– goal validadedthat’s not just an outrageous, it’s cheating in broad day light! they don’t even try to disguise. just like cape verde, EGYPT WAS ROBBED#ARGxEGY pic.twitter.com/KfPNrjEmTq
— ~*bia wheat*~ ˢᶜᶜᵖ 🇧🇷 (@biatrigo) July 7, 2026
The incidents have triggered a huge debate among fans, journalists and former players and experts of the game, with many wondering if the officials are are favouring Argentina, especially in decisions that can go either way.
Right now, most of the opinions are driven by emotion rather than logic—especially from Ronaldo fans, Egyptian supporters, and people simply chasing engagement.
The first incident involving Salah on the right is virtually identical to the one shown below on the left. There is… pic.twitter.com/EZF6Ghy8Rl
— Appie Culé (@appiecule) July 7, 2026
There is no conclusive proof. But the circumstantial evidence that there is pro-Argentina bias in FIFA affecting the World Cup:
1) In the group stage opener against Algeria, Messi caught Aïssa Mandi with a studs-up challenge on the Achilles and escaped any card. FIFA later…
— Shaiel Ben-Ephraim (@academic_la) July 7, 2026