Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has accused FIFA of rigging the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match against Argentina, claiming the tournament is being manipulated to favor Lionel Messi's squad for marketing purposes. The allegations follow a dramatic 3-2 comeback win for Argentina, which saw Egypt surrender a 2-0 lead late in the second half.
Hossam Hassan's post-match outburst
In an explosive post-game press conference, Hassan did not hold back his frustration. '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. 'And I want to say one more thing, if they want Argentina to win so bad, why call everyone to come and participate?'
Hassan, who was seen angrily confronting officials after Enzo Fernández's go-ahead goal in the 93rd minute, suggested that Argentina's status as defending champions and Messi's global appeal influenced the officiating. 'We were better, but football is unfair,' he added. 'It could be a matter of marketing, they could want to make a World Cup with the champion of the last World Cup, they want Messi to exist (in the tournament).'
Controversial decisions during the match
Egypt had taken a commanding 2-0 lead late in the second half, but Argentina scored three goals from the 79th minute onward to secure victory. Several contentious calls—both on-field and via VAR—went against Egypt, sparking outrage. On social media, users compiled over four minutes of footage highlighting decisions that favored Argentina, including a disallowed Egyptian goal in the 58th minute.
During TSN's analysis, Steven Caldwell called the foul that ruled out the goal 'too soft,' adding, 'In real time, that does not look like a foul to me. No way … this should never have come back.' Luke Wileman agreed, describing the foul as 'soft' and suggesting that referees likely would not have called it the other way. 'Argentina were lucky to get away with it in the end,' Wileman said.
Egypt players echo the allegations
Egypt's players were equally furious. Mostafa Ziko, in a tearful post-match interview, repeatedly called the referees 'unjust.' 'Referee, not fair. Unjust, unjust referee. An unjust person. An injustice that is so clear,' he said. 'He's wasting the effort of an entire nation. Since the beginning of the game, we were leaving the game winning 2-0 against Argentina. But the cup has already been given.'
He added: 'Congratulations to Argentina on the World Cup. The tournament was rigged, they didn't need anything else.'
Racism gesture ignored?
In another controversial moment, Hassan made an 'X' gesture with his arms—a signal introduced by FIFA during the tournament to report acts of racism. However, the referee did not approach Hassan, and it remains unclear whether the gesture was intended to alert officials to racism or as a protest against the officiating decisions.
The match has ignited widespread debate, with many questioning the integrity of the officiating in high-stakes World Cup matches. Egypt's elimination, combined with the allegations, has cast a shadow over Argentina's progression to the quarterfinals.
