Egypt forward Mostafa “Zico” Mohamed has criticised the officiating following the Pharaohs’ heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 28-year-old was one of Egypt’s standout performers, finding the net twice in a pulsating contest against the defending champions. However, one of his goals was ruled out after a VAR review, a decision that proved decisive as Argentina came from two goals down to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Egypt looked on course for one of the tournament’s biggest upsets after racing into a two-goal lead, but goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández completed a stunning comeback for the reigning world champions.
Zico fumes over refereeing decisions
Speaking after the match, the Egyptian forward did not hide his frustration, accusing the officials of denying his team a historic victory.
“The referee is unfair. God is sufficient for me, and He is the best disposer of affairs. He’s wasting the effort of an entire nation. The cup is being given to Argentina. They will win the World Cup,” Zico said.
The controversy centred on Zico’s second-half strike, which was initially awarded before French referee François Letexier overturned the goal following a VAR review, ruling there had been a foul in the build-up.
VAR decision sparks debate
The disallowed goal quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the Round of 16, with fans and pundits divided over whether the VAR intervention was justified.
Despite the painful defeat, Egypt earned widespread praise for their performance, pushing the defending champions to the limit and coming within touching distance of a historic quarter-final berth before Argentina’s dramatic late comeback.
