Letexier appointed for Argentina-Egypt: Buenos Aires press cries foul

François Letexier enters the 2026 World Cup under a cloud of suspicion before even blowing the opening whistle. FIFA has appointed the French referee to oversee the round-of-16 between Argentina and Egypt on Tuesday at 6 p.m., a decision that immediately triggered a backlash in Argentina.

On social media, Argentine supporters were scathing in their responses to the Argentine Football Association’s announcement of the refereeing trio. “They want to steal from us! We shouldn’t allow a Frenchman to referee us,” “Unfair decision. It’s a gift for corruption,” and “They want France to win the World Cup at all costs” were among the most widely shared comments.

The Argentine press followed suit. The outlet Gente de Salta described the appointment as “the least desirable choice,” citing “scandalous precedents” and widespread “outcry.” La Nacion expressed “surprise” that a Frenchman, “one of Argentina’s greatest rivals,” had been selected for such a decisive match.

The criticism rests on two specific incidents. TyC Sports recalls that Letexier sent off Argentine international Nicolas Tagliafico, a player for Olympique Lyonnais, during a Ligue 1 match on March 22, in a 2-1 defeat to Monaco. The same media emphasizes that the 37-year-old referee also officiated the Ligue des Champions match between Benfica and Real Madrid, during which Argentine Gianluca Prestianni allegedly made racist remarks toward Vinicius Jr.

Letexier will be assisted by his compatriots Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni, a fact that has only amplified suspicions of an all-French refereeing trio. His every decision will be scrutinized closely in a context where Franco-Argentine rivalry, reignited since the 2022 World Cup final, remains particularly intense.