International stars criticize the refereeing decisions in the match between Egypt and Argentina.. What did they say?

Some refereeing decisions during the match between Egypt and Argentina in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup caused widespread controversy around the world, especially the goal scored by Mostafa Zico at the beginning of the second half, which was later cancelled.

Among the decisions that also sparked a wave of criticism was the penalty kick awarded to the Argentine national team, and the third Tango goal, which the Pharaohs’ players demanded that a violation be counted in their favor before taking it in favor of Argentina.

Opinions and criticism

One of the most prominent critics was Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who said according to circulated statements: “This is daylight theft. It is a shame what football has become… The VAR technique is supposed to bring justice, not cause confusion. Today it seemed as if every important decision went to Argentina.”

He added, “How do you allow play to continue, let the goal be scored, and then decide to go back and cancel it? If there is a mistake, stop the match immediately, do not wait until after the goal is scored,” noting that such decisions affect the fairness of the competition.

Meanwhile, Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes, described the match as one of the worst refereeing administrations he had seen, as he said: “The biggest football theft I have ever seen, from the beginning of the match until its end, not a single arbitration decision was made in favor of Egypt.”

In turn, Italian coaching legend Fabio Capello said in television statements: “I have no problem accepting defeat when the best team wins, but what I cannot accept is contradiction,” stressing that “the Egypt national team scored a goal that seemed completely legitimate, but the VAR technique looked at every possible angle until it found a reason to cancel it.”

In his statements after the match, former Manchester United star Gary Neville pointed out that there is duplicity in dealing with arbitration cases, as he said: “If Zico’s goal was scored for Argentina, it would most likely not be cancelled.”

For his part, England national team legend, Alan Shearer, attacked the course of the match, saying: “The Egypt-Argentina match is a play. If FIFA wants to dedicate the World Cup title to Messi, let it give it to him and let the rest of the players go home,” indicating that what happened does not serve sporting justice.

While Roy Keane, the former Manchester United player, expressed his dissatisfaction with the way video technology was used, saying: “I am tired of seeing the VAR act selectively,” indicating that the decisions were not applied equally to the two teams.

Former Arsenal and England national team star, Ian Wright, said, “Argentina’s third goal should have been canceled due to a violation against Mohamed Salah at the beginning of the attack,” stressing that returning to previous shots must be according to one standard, whether in favor of Egypt or Argentina.

Wright also criticized the decision to cancel the Egyptian national team’s goal, pointing out that returning to a long shot at the beginning of the attack contradicts the philosophy of using video technology.