Mikel John Obi has claimed that online supporters of Cristiano Ronaldo are responsible for conspiracy theories suggesting FIFA has favoured Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. The former Chelsea midfielder made the remarks as England prepare to face Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday evening, with a place in Sunday's final against Spain at stake.
Obi Dismisses FIFA Favouritism Claims
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast alongside Gary Lineker, Lucy Bronze and Joe Cole, Obi rejected suggestions that FIFA wants Lionel Messi and Argentina to reach the final to defend their title. He said: 'You're talking about this thing - FIFA favouring Argentina... No, I'm not buying into that bull****, this is all the Ronaldo fans coming up with all of this crap.'
Obi argued that Portugal's early exit was due to their own failings, not any bias. 'If they won their games, which they should have done, they wouldn't have played tougher teams. Argentina did their job, they won their games, and they got into the easier group. So this is all Ronaldo fans. I don't like that. FIFA are not favouring Messi. Messi is doing his job, he's playing, he's scoring goals and he's breaking records.'
England's Path to the Final
England, under manager Thomas Tuchel, face Argentina at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 8pm on Wednesday. The Three Lions are aiming to end a 60-year drought without a major trophy, having last reached a World Cup final in 1966, when they beat West Germany 4-2 after extra time to claim their only title. Spain booked their place in the final with a 2-0 win over France on Tuesday.
Conspiracy theories gained traction after Argentina's 3-2 round-of-16 victory over Egypt, when VAR overturned a goal by Mostafa Ziko for a foul on Lisandro Martinez nearly 100 yards from the incident. However, Obi dismissed these claims as baseless.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Impact on Portugal
Obi also criticised Portugal manager Roberto Martinez for sticking with Ronaldo despite poor performances. 'I think so. If a manager can be brave enough when he's not doing it... You're giving him 60 or 70 minutes and he's not doing it, you can pull him off. But Martinez wasn't brave enough to do that, and I think the team suffered. A team always has to win, the team always has to come first, but Martinez decided to go with individuals. So for me, I think that's what has caused that.'
Obi predicted Argentina would go on to win the tournament: 'If they play well tomorrow, beat England, I think they have the chance to... back to back.'
Cole's Advice for England
Joe Cole, also speaking on the podcast, offered advice on how England should approach the semi-final. 'They need fire in their belly, and they need to know that they're coming to upset the party. And I would almost go on the front foot with it, and get in the face of Argentinian players early doors.'
Cole drew on his experience playing for Chelsea against Barcelona, who were sponsored by UNICEF and widely admired for their tiki-taka style. 'Everyone loved Messi and Ronaldinho. We were new to Champions League football, and everyone wanted this tiki-taka football, and we felt that, we played onto that, and Jose [Mourinho] would play onto that. And I think we need to do that as England.'
The winner of Wednesday's semi-final will face Spain in the final on Sunday.
