Egypt’s dreams of reaching the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time ended devastatingly after Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to claim a 3-2 victory in Atlanta, in a match that has left the Pharaohs questioning the integrity of the officiating.
With just 12 minutes remaining, Egypt appeared destined for the greatest result in the nation’s football history as they held a commanding 2-0 lead over the reigning world champions.
A famous victory was within touching distance.
Instead, the match descended into one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cristian Romero ignited Argentina’s comeback in the 79th minute before captain Lionel Messi restored parity just four minutes later, silencing the Egyptian supporters inside Atlanta Stadium.
With extra time seemingly inevitable, Enzo Fernández completed the remarkable turnaround in the second minute of stoppage time, heading home the winner to send Argentina into the quarter-finals.
The heartbreaking defeat left Egyptian players in tears at the final whistle, many collapsing onto the pitch after seeing victory slip away in extraordinary circumstances.
However, the result has been overshadowed by fierce criticism of the match officials and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Egypt believed they had restored their two-goal advantage while leading 1-0 when Mostafa Zico found the net, only for VAR to rule out the goal after midfielder Marwan Attia was adjudged to have committed a foul on Lisandro Martínez during the build-up.
The Egyptians were equally furious after appeals for a penalty involving captain Mohamed Salah were waved away moments before Argentina launched the counterattack that produced the winning goal.
Following the final whistle, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan launched a blistering attack on the officiating, suggesting the tournament favourites had received favourable treatment.
“There have been a lot of things to be questioned on and off the pitch,” Hassan said.
“Negative aspects all around. It’s just about credibility, lack of credibility with how things unfolded.
“Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.
“The world champion received support at every level. There seem to be pressures from the Argentina side on this outcome.”
The explosive comments are likely to generate significant debate as Egypt question several pivotal decisions made by French referee François Letexier and the VAR officials during one of the tournament’s most controversial matches.
BBC Sport reported that FIFA has been approached for comment regarding Hassan’s allegations.
For Argentina, the victory keeps alive their bid to defend the World Cup title after surviving what appeared certain elimination.
For Egypt, however, the defeat will be remembered not only for surrendering a two-goal advantage, but also for the lingering belief that controversial officiating denied them the greatest victory in their football history.
