Refereeing Under Fire After Argentina's Laborious Qualification Against Cape Verde (3-2 a.e.t.)

Argentina qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup by defeating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time, but Canadian referee Fischer’s performance has largely eclipsed the sporting result since the match played in the early hours of Saturday morning.

On social media, criticism of Fischer and his assistants has multiplied. The refereeing team is primarily accused of leniency that allegedly benefited almost exclusively the Albiceleste players. Video compilations documenting supposed errors circulated widely on X, fueling a controversy that extends beyond simple football debate.

Paradoxically, the most disputed action is one that disadvantaged Argentina. Late in regular time, a handball by Pico in front of Alexis Mac Allister, at the edge of the Cape Verde penalty area, went unsanctioned. The referee ruled that the ball had first touched the player’s head before bouncing off his arm. Had a penalty been awarded, Argentina could have avoided extra time.

Despite this unfavorable decision, it is the supposed favoritism toward the reigning world champions that concentrates the bulk of criticism. “I have never seen such blatant favoritism toward a nation in a World Cup since Argentina in Qatar,” reads one of the most widely shared comments. Other reactions veered into conspiracy theories, evoking a final programmed between Argentina and Portugal.

On the pitch, Lionel Messi and his teammates continue their journey in this 2026 World Cup. Their next opponent will be Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in the quarterfinals on July 7 in Atlanta.