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Last Updated:July 08, 2026, 10:39 IST
Argentina's dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt in the ongoing FIFA World Cup has polarised fans on social media.
Egypt's Mohamed Salah (10) speaks to the Referee Francois Letexier. (AP Photo)
The debatable calls during the thrilling last-16 clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Egypt and Argentina have divided opinions on social media with the likes of Garry Kasparov alleging favouritism. Egypt took a stunning 2-0 lead over Argentina in Atlanta on Tuesday to put themselves on the brink of what would have been a historic quarter-finals qualification but for the defending champions to stage a dramatic comeback to win the contest 3-2.
Egypt had a Mostafa Zico goal chalked out thanks to VAR intervention as Lisandro Martinez was deemed to have been fouled though much earlier in the move.
However, Zico ended up doubling the lead later on before Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi made it 2-2.
In the build-up to Argentina’s winner, scored by Enzo Fernandez, Egypt claimed they should have instead been awarded a penalty for a pull by Alexis Mac Allister on Hamdy Fathy.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan minced no words as he claimed his team were “cheated" out of a place in the world cup quarter-finals.
“It’s clear that this tournament has been fixed."Egypt’s Mostafa Zico was not happy with some of the decisions in their game against Argentina. pic.twitter.com/VbDdFbkRBC
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 7, 2026
Ni el Museo Británico le robó tanto a Egipto, como la FIFA.— Intrapiernoso (@Intrapiernoso) July 7, 2026
Incredible Egyptian goal is disallowed because of a foul far away, then same situation a few minutes later and goal for Argentina not disallowed! No VAR, nothing? FIFA again looks like a corrupt joke, playing favorites for stars.— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) July 7, 2026
Not my invention, butFIFA = Fixing It For Argentina
has been blatant.
— Craig Murray (@CraigMurrayOrg) July 7, 2026
How will I explain to the next generation the robbery we’ve witnessed live in this era ?— Carlos Brathwaite (@CRBrathwaite26) July 7, 2026
Hassan was seen making an “X" symbol with his hands – a gesture officially recognised by the FIFA to report racial abuse during a match – in front of the referee.
“I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice," Hassan said during a press conference.
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Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience ...Read More
News sports football 'Not Even British Museum Stole So Much From Egypt': Social Media Erupts After Argentina's Controversial Win
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