A FIFA rule change introduced in November 2025 gave England and three other top-seeded nations an easier route to the World Cup semi-finals, leading to allegations that the governing body aimed to keep high-ranked teams in the tournament longer. The regulation ensured that the top four seeded countries—Spain, Argentina, France, and England—could not face each other until the semi-final stage, provided they all topped their groups. This condition was met, resulting in each nation avoiding a fellow top seed in the quarter-finals: Spain vs Belgium, Argentina vs Switzerland, France vs Morocco, and England vs Norway.
How the Rule Works
The new regulation, unveiled in November 2025, paired the top two seeds (Spain and Argentina) on opposite halves of the draw, and the next two (France and England) similarly separated. This structure prevented them from meeting until the semi-finals or final. The system mirrors that used at Wimbledon and in the new Champions League format. The same ranking system was applied to the Club World Cup last summer, which Chelsea won after defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
Egypt's Complaint
Egypt has reportedly lodged a complaint with FIFA over referee Francois Letexier's performance during their round of 16 match against Argentina. Egypt were knocked out after Argentina mounted a stunning three-goal comeback in 14 minutes. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan accused FIFA of favouritism, saying, "Why isn't there any fairness in sport? In football? I do not want to try to put it nicely here with beautiful wording. We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice." Hassan further alleged that FIFA wanted to keep Argentina and Lionel Messi in the competition for marketing purposes: "It could be a matter of marketing, they could want to make a World Cup with the champions of the last World Cup, they want Messi to exist [in the tournament]." Egypt is demanding clarification on the referee's decisions and that the French officiating team be stood down for the rest of the tournament.
Potential Semi-Final Line-Up
If all four top seeds win their quarter-finals, the semi-finals would feature Spain vs France and Argentina vs England. However, each faces a stern test, and the results may not deliver FIFA's dream line-up. The governing body is accustomed to accusations of preferential treatment towards top-ranked teams.
