The Egyptian Football Association has sparked a major controversy over the referees who helped Egypt exit the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 3-2 loss to Argentina, calling for an investigation of the decision.
The Pharaohs were on the verge of recording one of the greatest late comebacks of the tournament before Lionel Messi and Argentina got sensational. But Egypt thinks that contentious VAR and referee decisions made the difference to end their World Cup dream.
Egypt Takes Referee Row Directly to FIFA
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has reportedly lodged a formal complaint with FIFA to review the work done by the French referee, François Letexier, and the VAR officials of the match.
Egyptian football officials have raised doubts about several key moments and the level of judgment around the officiating staff in the explosive Argentina vs. Egypt match in the World Cup.
The most heated moment was when Mostafa Zico seemed to score for Egypt. But when VAR stepped in, the festivities soon degenerated into frustration.
Letexier, after an on-field examination, ruled that Marawan Attia had fouled Lisandro Martínez as he was building up for the goal, canceling the goal.
The controversial move sparked heated debate among Egyptian fans.
Late Argentina Comeback Breaks Egyptian Hearts
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) is said to be lodging a formal complaint to request that FIFA review the performance of French referee François Letexier and the VAR officials of the round.
The defending champions were left in a difficult situation after they were left on their own for a disciplined, fearless performance in Egypt.
But Argentina dramatically turned the match around.
Lionel Messi helped with the turnaround, netting himself in front of Cristian Romero. These were already tight moments, and Enzo Fernández made history at the end of stoppage time, netting for a stunning 3-2 victory for Argentina.
There was also a matter of a potential foul by Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up to Argentina’s winning goal that Egypt was furious about. It was not reviewed in the same manner, thus adding to the wrath among Egyptians
Hossam Hassan Claims Egypt Suffered an ‘Injustice’
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has reportedly lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, asking the organization to investigate the work of the French Ref. François Letexier and VAR officials for the match.
Coach of the Egypt side, Hossam Hassan, openly expressed doubts in his attitude after the final whistle, suggesting that his team had been treated unfairly.
The emotions eventually came out, and goalkeeping coach Saafan Elsaghir was shown a red card while a number of Egypt players were also disciplined for protesting.
Even though Egypt failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the controversy is not over.
