Sport: Soccer Country: Argentina Category: Breaking News

Egypt's Mostafa Zico, Hossam Hassan criticize referee after loss to Argentina

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 9:09 PM

Last updated Jul 7, 2026

Egypt's Mostafa Zico, Hossam Hassan criticize referee after loss to Argentina

Summary

Egyptian players and staff expressed frustration with officiating after a controversial 3-2 loss to Argentina in the Round of 16 at the World Cup. Mostafa Zico and Hossam Hassan argued that key decisions, including a disallowed goal for Egypt following a VAR review, affected the result. Hassan claimed the match appeared rigged to favor Argentina, questioning FIFA’s intentions. Both expressed concerns that this reflected broader issues with officiating in the tournament. Egypt's exit leaves them searching for clarity on their World Cup campaign and officiating standards.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Egypt lost to Argentina 3-2 in the Round of 16.
•Mostafa Zico criticized the referee's decisions.
•Hossam Hassan claimed the match was rigged.
•An Egypt goal was disallowed after VAR review.
•Hassan received a yellow card for his protests.

Latest Updates

10:35 PMYahoo Sports — Egypt furious at controversial referee decisions and claim World Cup ‘directed towards Argentina’
9:09 PMYahoo Sports — Egypt's Mostafa Zico, Hossam Hassan call out World Cup referee in rants after 'rigged' Argentina loss

What they're saying

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Egypt were left upset after Mostafa Ziko’s goal was disallowed and claimed a penalty in the build-up to Argentina’s winning goal in the come-from-behind 3-2 win for the defending champions
— Yahoo Sports