Mikel blames Ronaldo fans for Argentina-FIFA conspiracy theories ahead of England semi-final

John Obi Mikel has dismissed claims that FIFA are conspiring to favour Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, pinning the narrative squarely on Cristiano Ronaldo’s online fanbase ahead of England’s semi-final against Lionel Scaloni’s side in Miami on Wednesday.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football alongside Gary Lineker, Lucy Bronze and Joe Cole, the former Chelsea midfielder was blunt in his assessment. “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,” he said.

The conspiracy theories have gained traction among some supporters, who point to a series of contentious decisions benefiting Argentina during the tournament — including Egypt’s controversial disallowed goal in the round of 16 and Breel Embolo’s red card in the quarter-final against Switzerland. Mikel, however, argued that Argentina simply did what was required of them. “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.”

Mikel also turned his attention to Portugal’s early exit, suggesting that Roberto Martinez’s reluctance to drop Ronaldo cost the team. “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,” he said. “A team always has to win, the team always has to come first, but Martinez decided to go with individuals.”

Ronaldo, now 41, scored three times in five matches before Portugal were eliminated in the round of 16 by Spain, but has been overshadowed by Messi’s remarkable tournament. The Argentine captain has contributed eight goals in six games as his side have advanced to the last four.

England face Argentina in Miami on Wednesday, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final in New York against Spain, who eliminated tournament favourites France in their semi-final. Mikel predicted Argentina would go on to lift the trophy, suggesting that a win over England would put them on course for back-to-back World Cup titles.