‘This is theft’ – Mourinho joins criticism of refereeing after Egypt’s World Cup heartbreak

José Mourinho has become the latest high-profile figure to question the officiating in Egypt’s controversial 3-2 defeat by Argentina in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the refereeing performance as “theft” and “a disgrace”.

The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid manager criticised several decisions that dominated the closing stages of a match in which Egypt surrendered a two-goal advantage before the defending champions completed a dramatic comeback.

“This is theft, a disgrace by the institution that governs football. Why was the incident involving Argentina reviewed while Egypt was not treated the same way?” Mourinho said.

Egypt’s complaints grow after dramatic turnaround

Egypt looked set to reach the quarter-finals after opening a 2-0 lead, only for Argentina to fight back. Lionel Messi levelled the score in the 83rd minute before Enzo Fernandez struck deep into stoppage time to seal Argentina’s place in the last eight.

The result, however, was overshadowed by a series of contentious officiating decisions that drew widespread criticism from Egyptian supporters and football figures.

Mostafa Ziko had a goal ruled out following a VAR review, while Egypt’s players also appealed unsuccessfully for several fouls and a possible penalty during the closing stages. The referee also issued yellow cards to four Egyptian players as well as head coach Hossam Hassan.

Anti-racism gesture fuels further debate

One of the match’s most discussed moments came when Hassan crossed his arms in an “X” gesture, FIFA’s recognised signal for reporting alleged racist abuse and activating the governing body’s anti-racism protocol.

Despite the signal, play continued until the final whistle, adding to the frustration surrounding the match and prompting further debate across social media.

Mourinho’s comments add another influential voice to the growing scrutiny of refereeing standards at the tournament, with many Egyptian fans arguing that crucial decisions consistently favoured Argentina during the decisive moments of the contest.

FIFA has yet to respond publicly to Mourinho’s criticism, but the officiating in Egypt’s World Cup elimination is set to remain one of the most hotly debated issues of the tournament.