2026 WORLD CUP: FIFA breaks silence on claims tournament is ‘rigged’ for Argentina
FIFA has broken its silence following a wave of controversy and “unfounded” claims that the ongoing World Cup is being engineered in favor of reigning champions, Argentina.
The backlash erupted after Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Egypt in Atlanta, where the South Americans fought back from a 2-0 deficit. Late goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and a 93rd-minute winner from Enzo Fernandez sealed the comeback. However, the match ended in chaos, with the Egyptian camp alleging biased officiating.
Egyptian FA demands immediate sacking of match officials
Following the painful exit, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) released a scathing statement targeting the refereeing crew. The African powerhouse officially demanded the immediate expulsion of the entire officiating team from the tournament, accusing them of “blatant errors” and a deliberate refusal to consult the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor.
The controversy centers around two major flashpoints.
Egypt’s Mostafa Ziko saw his goal chalked off after VAR retroactively flagged a foul on Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez at the other end of the pitch.
READ ALSO: 2026 WORLD CUP: Political tension could bar Michael Oliver, Anthony Taylor from officiating final
The Pharaohs argued passionately that their talisman, Mohamed Salah, was fouled in the penalty area by Julian Alvarez just moments before Fernandez scored Argentina’s late winner.
The decisions sparked widespread conspiracy theories online, with critics claiming football’s governing body is orchestrating a path for Argentina to lift a fourth World Cup title.
Collina slams “unfounded allegations”
In a swift response, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, strongly defended his team and condemned the attacks on the officials’ integrity.
“Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” Collina stated in an interview with the official FIFA website. “Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it may provoke reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.”
The legendary former Italian referee also dismissed any insinuations of political interference, emphasizing that not even FIFA President Gianni Infantino can influence refereeing decisions.
FIFA explains the controversial VAR calls
To clear the air, Collina broke down the technicalities of the two disputed incidents, explaining why the correct decisions were ultimately reached.
On the disallowed Egyptian goal, Collina explained that VAR is required to check the Attacking Possession Phase (APP). “Egypt No. 19 Marwan Attia clearly treads on the foot of Argentina No. 6 Lisandro Martínez. A foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul appears ‘obvious’, if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene.”
On the Mohamed Salah penalty appeal, Collina clarified that contact does not always equal a penalty. “The referee and the VAR deemed it normal football contact between Egypt No. 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina No. 10 Julián Alvarez. A defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul.”
While acknowledging that football refereeing will always have an element of subjectivity, Collina stated that FIFA is fully satisfied with how the rules are being implemented.
With the controversy put to bed by FIFA, Argentina is switching focus to their high-stakes Quarter-final clash against Switzerland this Sunday.
The winner of that fixture will advance to the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 15, to face either England or Norway.
