Egypt claims World Cup 2026 is 'rigged' to keep Messi in tournament

Egypt's national football team is crying foul, alleging the 2026 World Cup is "rigged" following their narrow 3-2 defeat to Argentina. Coach Hossam Hassan and forward Mostafa Ziko openly questioned the officiating, specifically targeting French referee François Letexier and the utilization of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

"They want Messi to stay in the tournament," Ziko stated, implying a bias towards Argentina's star player. The Egyptian delegation's accusations suggest a belief that the tournament's outcomes are predetermined, with officiating decisions manipulated to ensure certain teams, particularly those featuring prominent players like Lionel Messi, advance.

The controversy arose directly from the match's outcome, where a late penalty awarded to Argentina proved decisive. Hassan echoed Ziko's sentiments, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the referee's performance and the VAR review process. These claims, however, lack concrete evidence beyond the team's interpretation of the match events and officiating calls.

The allegations cast a shadow over the tournament, introducing a narrative of conspiracy and unfair play. While such accusations are not uncommon in high-stakes international competitions, they place significant pressure on FIFA and tournament officials to address the concerns and maintain the integrity of the sport.