Episode
World Cup round-up: Egypt's historic journey ends against Argentina in heartbreak and accusations
- Podcast
- Trending Middle East
- Published
- Jul 8, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 295
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Summary
Egypt are out of the World Cup, but the anger is just beginning. Argentina came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Atlanta in a match that will be debated long after the tournament ends. Egypt led through Yasser Ibrahim's header, had a Mostafa Zico goal ruled out by VAR for a foul at the other end of the pitch in the build-up, then scored again in the 67th minute to make it 2-0. Messi set up Romero to pull one back in the 79th minute, equalised four minutes later, and Enzo Fernandez headed the winner in stoppage time. Egypt also appealed for a penalty on Mohamed Salah seconds before that winner, and felt a foul by Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up was never reviewed. Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan said after the match that Egypt had "suffered injustice" and suggested the referee and VAR had been influenced by external pressure to keep Argentina in the competition. He said he would not watch another match at this World Cup. The Egyptian Football Association has asked Fifa to investigate the referee and VAR team. Hassan had also objected to the appointment of French referee Francois Letexier before the match, given Argentina beat France in the 2022 final. Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw, and will face Argentina in the quarter-finals. Morocco are now the last Arab and last African team in the tournament, facing France in the quarter-finals at midnight on Thursday. Mina Rzouki presents Trending Middle East's World Cup round-up, a daily bonus series from The National for the duration of the tournament.