FIFA has been accused of rigging the World Cup after appointing an entirely Argentinian officiating team for the quarter-final match between France and Morocco. The announcement, made on July 7, 2026, has sparked a furious backlash on social media, with fans alleging the governing body is favouring Argentina, who defeated France in the 2022 final.
All-Argentinian Officiating Team Confirmed
Facundo Tello will serve as the referee for the match, with Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade as assistant referees. Dario Herrera will be the fourth official, and Cristian Navarro the reserve assistant referee. The match is scheduled for Thursday, with a semi-final berth at stake.
Argentina, the reigning world champions, advanced to the quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt, a match that itself sparked controversy. Egypt forward Mostafa Ziko described the game as "rigged" after his goal was disallowed and a penalty claim was denied.
Social Media Fury
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their anger. One user wrote: "All Argentina referees for a France match, FIFA trying everything to rig the World Cup for Argentina once again." Another commented: "It already looks rigged." A third posted: "A full Argentinian delegation, you will never beat the allegations." A fourth added: "Argentine refs... at least try and hide your nonsense corruption."
Egypt's Controversial Exit
Egypt's Hossam Hassan, the team's manager, accused FIFA of bias after his side's defeat. He said: "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. It could be a matter of marketing, they could want to make a World Cup with the champion of the last World Cup, they want Messi to exist (in the tournament)."
Ziko, who scored Egypt's second goal, fumed: "It was a rigged game. It wasn't our fault. That referee... it seems like this match was rigged. We were winning 2-0, and he kept coming at us. Congratulations to Argentina on another World Cup, it seems."
VAR Controversy
Ziko's first goal was disallowed after a VAR review flagged a foul on an Argentine player in the build-up. However, a similar incident before Argentina's winner, scored by Enzo Fernandez, was not deemed a foul. Egypt also claimed a penalty when Mohamed Salah was brought down by Julian Alvarez moments before Fernandez's goal, but no penalty was given.
Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals, with a potential semi-final against England or Norway. France, meanwhile, will look to overcome Morocco and the officiating controversy to reach the last four.
