World Cup 2026: Why Egypt’s second goal was cancelled against Argentina

The video assistant referee (VAR) decision to disallow Egypt’s second goal against Argentina during their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash has been explained following the dramatic encounter.

Egypt thought they had doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when Mostafa Ziko finished off a swift counter-attack after being set up by Mohamed Salah.

The goal would have given the Pharaohs a commanding lead after Yasser Ibrahim had opened the scoring in the first half, but celebrations were cut short when VAR intervened.

Referee overturns goal after pitch-side review

Following a review by the video assistant referee, French referee Francois Letexier was advised to examine the incident on the pitch-side monitor.

After reviewing the build-up, Letexier ruled out the goal, determining that there had been a foul involving Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia at the start of the attacking move.

The decision left the Egyptian players visibly disappointed as Argentina were handed a reprieve in a match they eventually won 3-2 after staging a dramatic late comeback.

VAR experts back the decision

According to the Archive VAR network on X, the intervention from the video assistant referee was correct under the Laws of the Game.

The network wrote: “Correct intervention from the video technical room in the Argentina-Egypt match.. Attia stepped on the foot of the pivot player Alessandro, preventing him from continuing to play.”

It added: “The mistake exists. Since the goal was scored in the same phase of play-up immediately after the ball was won back, the footage is subject to review.”

Controversy remains despite explanation

Although the VAR explanation has supported the referee’s decision, the incident remained one of the major talking points of the match.

Egypt’s players and coaching staff were left frustrated after the goal was ruled out, with the decision proving significant in a contest that saw Argentina recover from two goals down to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.