Fact check shows viral referee video unrelated to 2026 World Cup final

A viral video purportedly showing a referee crying over Argentina's defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is misleading. The clip, originally from a 2023 video featuring referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz, circulated well before the match. Lahoz retired three years prior to the final and did not officiate the game. The clip resurfaced in social media posts during the final, generating incorrect implications about bias. The misconception highlights the importance of verifying the context of shared content, especially during significant sporting events.

• 1:34 AMYahoo Sports — Fact Check: Video Of Crying Referee PREDATES 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Match Between Spain And Argentina