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Controversial referee decisions in Argentina's 2026 World Cup matches draw scrutiny
French magazine Onze Mondial claimed that referee errors in Argentina's 2026 World Cup matches favored the team. Decisions in matches against Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland sparked backlash.
Referee decisions in Argentina's matches at the 2026 World Cup continue to be a subject of debate. French magazine Onze Mondial scrutinized a series of controversial decisions that favored Argentina in the tournament.
Unpunished challenge in Algeria match
According to the magazine, in the group stage match where Argentina beat Algeria 3-0, Lionel Messi made a hard challenge on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi. The referee and VAR room did not penalize the incident. Despite protests from Algerian players, Messi stayed on the pitch and played a role in the victory.
Errors in the Cape Verde encounter
Controversial moments also occurred in Argentina's 3-2 win over Cape Verde in the round of 32. The report stated that a foul on Varela was overlooked, and that Cristian Medina handled the ball in the penalty area but no penalty was given. Additionally, Messi's free kick taken before the wall was set, and Nicolas Tagliafico being allowed to return to defend a corner without waiting the required one minute after leaving the pitch for a bleeding wound, were also criticized.
Egypt match and VAR controversy
The biggest backlash came in the round of 16 match against Egypt. Egypt lost the chance to go 2-0 up when a goal was disallowed after a VAR review for a foul by Lisandro Martinez. Throughout the match, Egyptian players received 5 yellow cards while no Argentine players were booked, which drew attention. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said after the match that the referees were "under great pressure" and that this worked in Argentina's favor. Argentina came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Red card controversy in Switzerland quarter-final
A controversial incident also occurred in the quarter-final against Switzerland. In the 72nd minute, Swiss forward Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation and was sent off. However, it was initially indicated that the yellow card was shown to Argentina's Leandro Paredes. Switzerland, reduced to 10 men, collapsed in extra time and lost the match, sending Argentina to the semi-finals.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said after the match,
"There were two kinds of refereeing"
he stated.
Onze Mondial magazine wrote that these successive controversial decisions have fueled conspiracy theories about Argentina's progress in the tournament.
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