Egypt coach Hossam Hassan accused FIFA of wanting Lionel Messi and Argentina to stay in the World Cup after his team’s controversial last-16 exit. The Pharaohs were up 2-0 against the defending champions before Argentina staged an extraordinary comeback, scoring three goals in 13 minutes to win 3-2.
Hassan’s Accusations
“Life is unfair,” Hassan told the media after the match. He claimed Egypt was wrongly denied a second goal after a VAR check for a foul over 100 yards away, and that Egypt should have been awarded a penalty before Argentina’s third goal. “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition?” Hassan said to beIN Sports. “Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running?”
Conspiracy Theories and Global Reaction
The defeat sparked a firestorm of conspiracy theories. French referee François Letexier faced intense scrutiny, with his Wikipedia page vandalized to falsely identify him as Jewish, fueling claims of a Zionist conspiracy tied to Hassan’s support for Palestine. As Argentina progressed, theories followed, including FBI investigations into the Argentinian federation and controversial VAR decisions.
VAR Controversies
VAR technology has been at the center of major controversies, with critics arguing inconsistent application. Egypt’s disallowed goal and Croatia’s disallowed goal against Portugal due to a ball sensor were key examples. The most controversial episode involved US striker Folarin Balogun, who received a red card overturned by FIFA after Donald Trump’s intervention, shattering perceptions of integrity.
FIFA’s Integrity Questioned
FIFA’s decision to overturn Balogun’s suspension was called “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” by UEFA. The IOC was asked to investigate whether Gianni Infantino breached political neutrality rules. This followed FIFA’s suspension of part of Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban in 2025, highlighting FIFA’s willingness to indulge star players.
Disinformation and AI-Generated Content
AI-generated images and videos spread disinformation, including manipulated images of Adolf Hitler with a German flag and Keir Starmer in a Croatia jersey. These prey on emotions and blur reality, trapping viewers in a cycle of outrage.
Broader Context
Egypt’s World Cup run carried hopes for Palestinians, with the Egyptian Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza organizing watch parties. Its director was killed in an Israeli strike hours before the Argentina match. The Egyptian Football Association said it “cannot remain silent” about refereeing decisions that “left profound questions about consistency and fairness.”
The conspiracy theories reflect broader societal forces, including social media, economic insecurity, and political division. The World Cup amplifies these tensions, making football a mirror of the world.
