World Cup 2026: Egypt launch FIFA complaint after ‘controversial’ exit to Argentina

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has officially lodged a complaint with FIFA following Egypt’s painful elimination from the 2026 World Cup after a controversial 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina.

Egypt appeared on course for one of the biggest shocks of the tournament before Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to secure victory and advance.

However, the result has been overshadowed by a series of disputed decisions that left the Pharaohs furious and questioning the officiating during the knockout clash.

According to journalist Ismael Mahmoud and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, EFA president Hany Abo Rida has submitted an official complaint against French referee François Letexier and his assistants.

“BREAKING: Egyptian Federation Association President Hany Abo Rida has filed an official complaint against French referee François Letexier & his assistants following Egypt’s 3-2 loss to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup,” Romano reported.

“He demanded an investigation into controversial decisions against the Pharaohs and officially requested the exclusion of the French refereeing team from the rest of the tournament due to their crucial mistakes.”

Hossam Hassan furious after VAR controversy

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan was left frustrated after the defeat, openly criticising FIFA and the match officials over decisions he believed influenced the outcome.

The former Egypt striker claimed his side were denied a penalty and had a goal ruled out under questionable circumstances, expressing his disappointment with the way the match was handled.

“I’m going home and won’t be watching any more games from the tournament.

“What happened to us wasn’t fair. We should have had a penalty, a goal was disallowed, and I don’t know why it was disallowed.”

Hassan’s comments reflected the mood within the Egyptian camp, with players and officials convinced that key moments went against them during their battle with the reigning world champions.

The Pharaohs had pushed Argentina to the limit and were within touching distance of a historic quarter-final place before the late collapse turned the contest in favour of Lionel Messi’s side.

Zico claims Egypt-Argentina clash was ‘rigged’

The controversy intensified when Egypt forward Mostafa Zico described the encounter as “rigged”, adding to the growing criticism from the Egyptian camp.

Zico and his teammates felt several incidents during the match deserved closer review, particularly decisions involving VAR and physical challenges that they believed were overlooked.

Egypt’s frustration comes from the belief that the game could have produced a different outcome if the disputed moments had gone in their favour.

The Pharaohs had produced one of their strongest performances on the world stage, matching Argentina’s quality for long periods and putting the defending champions under significant pressure.

However, Argentina’s experience eventually proved decisive as they recovered late to keep their title defence alive.

Argentina move on while Egypt reflect on what might have been

Argentina will now prepare for a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.

For Egypt, attention turns to a painful post-match review as they wait for FIFA’s response to their official complaint.

The North Africans leave the tournament believing their campaign could have continued if the controversial decisions had been different, while Argentina advance with their hopes of retaining the World Cup still alive.

The fallout from the match is expected to continue, with Egypt demanding accountability over the officiating that they believe played a decisive role in ending their historic run.