Egyptian Football Federation: Can't be silent about referee's decision in match against Argentina

The Egyptian National Team did not stay silent after the controversial defeat against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup 16th round (Instagram/@egyptnt).

JAKARTA - The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said on Wednesday, July 6, 2026, local time, that they could not remain silent about the referee's decision after the 2-3 defeat against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup 16th round.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and several players criticized the referee's performance after being left incredulous when Argentina scored three goals without reply in 13 minutes to pull off one of the biggest comebacks in World Cup history.

"EFA cannot remain silent about the referee's decision witnessed during the match against Argentina and the failure to use the video assistant referee (VAR) system properly," the EFA said in a statement.

Egypt appeared to have scored their second goal in the 58th minute, but a VAR review determined that Marawan Attia had committed a foul on Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez before the goal.

"Several important incidents cause serious concern and leave deep questions about the consistency and fairness of decisions that directly affect the course of the match," the statement continued.

The winning goal from Enzo Fernandez came two minutes into injury time and sparked a commotion in front of the Egyptian bench.

The red card was given to the Egyptian goalkeeper coach, Saafan Elsaghir, who had to be physically restrained so as not to attack the French referee, Francois Letexier.

Several yellow cards were given to those who protested loudly against Argentina's last goal after the referees refused to check a potential foul by Alexis Mac Allister in the process of the goal.

"What happened during the match has caused widespread frustration among our players, staff and supporters, who expect the highest standards in officiating on the biggest football stage," the statement said.

Mostafa Zico scored in the 67th minute to give Egypt a 2-0 lead, but momentum shifted to the Argentines when Lionel Messi provided an assist to Cristian Romero in the 79th minute - the first of three consecutive goals.

On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, the Egyptian coach said his team was a victim of injustice and accused FIFA of wanting Lionel Messi to remain in the competition at the 2026 World Cup for exposure.

Messi scored the equalizer to make the score 2-2.

"We looked better than the defending champions - better in every way - but the result was influenced by internal factors on the field and external factors off the field."

"Maybe they want to keep the world champion in the tournament. Maybe they want Messi to stay in the running," Hassan said after the match.

The statement expressed frustration among Egypt's players, staff and supporters.

"Every player who wears the Egyptian uniform, and every supporter who stands behind the team, deserves justice, respect, and the same application of the laws of the game," Hassan continued.

Meanwhile, Argentina advanced to the quarterfinals to face Switzerland on Sunday, July 12, 2026, morning WIB.