Egypt have accused Fifa of “fixing” the World Cup after a furious exit to Argentina, as the controversy over Donald Trump’s intervention in the tournament refuses to subside.
Defending champions Argentina, inspired by Lionel Messi, roared back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Atlanta and reach the quarter-finals. But Egypt felt they should have been awarded a penalty for a foul on Mohamed Salah in the build-up to Argentina’s winning goal. Striker Mostafa Zico subsequently claimed the competition had been “fixed”, with manager Hossam Hassan suggesting Fifa wanted to keep the holders in the competition.
“Egypt accuse Fifa of fixing after Messi-inspired Argentina comeback; Trump controversy over Balogun red card rages.”
The fallout comes amid an escalating row over Trump’s apparent interference. The US president personally asked Fifa to review a red card shown to USA striker Folarin Balogun during the last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun’s automatic one-match ban was suspended by Fifa, a decision that followed Trump’s appeal to Fifa president Gianni Infantino. The suspension allowed Balogun to start the next match against Belgium, a match Belgium won 4-1, knocking the co-hosts out. Belgium’s players mocked Trump afterwards, with a social media taunt appearing to reference the red card controversy.
Infantino now faces increasing calls to resign his position as questions mount over his relationship with the White House and the integrity of the World Cup. The last eight line-up is now confirmed: Switzerland took the final spot after beating Colombia on penalties. Belgium will face Spain in the quarter-finals, while Argentina face an as-yet-unknown opponent.
Fifa’s president has twice won re-election unopposed since his elevation in 2016, and has said he intends to run again in 2027. But with Egypt’s accusations and the Trump row continuing, his position appears more precarious than ever.
