VAR controversy, FIFA probe and Messi furore dominate 2026 World Cup round of 16

Argentina survived a furious Egypt fightback to win 3-2 in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, but the result was quickly overshadowed by refereeing controversy, a FIFA investigation into racist abuse, and an escalating row between football’s two governing bodies.

The match

Egypt led 1-0 when Mostafa Ziko appeared to double the Pharaohs’ advantage early in the second half, only for VAR to disallow the goal for a foul on Lisandro Martínez — a decision that drew widespread criticism online, with many supporters labelling it a “disgrace.” Ziko did eventually restore Egypt’s two-goal lead at the 67-minute mark, but Argentina rallied to score twice and advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Switzerland. Elsewhere in the last eight, France meet Morocco, Spain play Belgium, and England face Norway. Switzerland had earlier beaten Ecuador on penalties.

Ziko’s rigging claim

In the aftermath, Ziko was unsparing in his assessment of French referee François Letexier. “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,” the striker said.

Several members of Egypt’s coaching staff were shown yellow cards late in the match, with one official sent off for making similar allegations on the touchline. Head coach Hossam Hassan was also seen forming an ‘X’ with his arms in front of Letexier — a gesture associated with reporting racist abuse — though it remains unclear whether Hassan intended it in that context.

FIFA investigation into IShowSpeed abuse

Separately, FIFA has launched an investigation into alleged racist abuse directed at American YouTube personality and Twitch streamer IShowSpeed following Argentina’s victory over Cape Verde on 3 July. The 21-year-old was filmed in an altercation with an Argentina supporter after taunting Lionel Messi, before apparently being subjected to racist remarks in Spanish. FIFA confirmed it is looking into the incident.

FIFA-UEFA row over Balogun ban

FIFA also found itself in a public dispute with UEFA after the governing body suspended USA striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, allowing him to feature against Belgium on Tuesday. UEFA condemned the decision as crossing “a red line,” but FIFA responded by pointing to multiple instances in which UEFA-affiliated member associations have overturned red cards without objection from the European body.