The 2026 World Cup has ignited a wave of conspiracy theories, particularly surrounding Argentina's performance. Following their 3–2 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16, accusations of preferential treatment for the Argentine team emerged, with many claiming that the tournament was manipulated to favor them.

Controversial Refereeing Decisions

Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan expressed his outrage over the officiating during the match, specifically criticizing French referee François Letexier. He stated, “The game was rigged. If FIFA wants Argentina to win, why do they even let all the other teams participate in the tournament? It’s all about the money. They want Messi to stay in the tournament. The Argentines put pressure on the referee.” His comments reflect a broader sentiment among some fans and analysts who believe that Argentina received undue advantages.

Speculation and Misleading Information

Following the controversial match, Letexier's Wikipedia page was edited to include false information about his background, leading to further speculation about external influences on the game's outcome. This fueled conspiracy theories suggesting that either Israel had a hand in the match or that FIFA orchestrated Argentina's progress through the tournament.

While there were indeed several refereeing decisions that seemed to favor Argentina, such as a missed red card for Lionel Messi in a prior match against Algeria and a potential penalty for Egypt when Mac Allister held Fathi, experts have varied opinions on whether these were intentional. Lutz Wagner, a former Bundesliga referee, noted that Messi's foul should have warranted a red card, stating, “Even if it wasn’t intentional, a red card should have been issued here.” However, ORF rules expert Thomas Steiner dismissed the idea of an “Argentina bonus,” asserting, “Certainly not intentionally.”

As the tournament progresses, the debate surrounding officiating and perceived biases continues to dominate discussions among fans and analysts alike, underscoring the intense scrutiny that accompanies high-stakes international competitions.