Argentina knocked out Egypt in the World Cup 2026 round of 16, moving into the quarter‑finals after a match riddled with controversial refereeing decisions. Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah voiced his displeasure without directly attacking French referee François Letexier.

What happened in the match?

The July 7 encounter saw Argentina dominate much of the game and open the scoring before halftime. Egypt pressed back, but a series of calls – including the disallowing of a goal and a penalty awarded to Argentina – fueled the controversy. Referee Letexier, backed by VAR, upheld his decisions despite Egyptian protests.

How did Mohamed Salah respond?

At the final whistle, Salah was asked about the officiating. He said: “First of all, it was God’s will. That was the destiny of the match and the result. We had an excellent first half… We made a few small errors and, regarding the refereeing, I prefer not to comment. It’s visible to everyone what happened.” While he avoided a direct jab, he hinted at his dissatisfaction by mentioning the annulled goal and the penalty given to Argentina.

What does this mean for Argentina in the World Cup?

The win cements Argentina’s three‑game winning streak (3W‑0D‑0L) and positions them as a top contender for the title. Lionel Scaloni’s side displayed defensive solidity and attacking flair, strengthening their status among the tournament favorites. Egypt’s exit removes a potentially dangerous opponent and clears the path for Argentina against higher‑profile teams.

What is the team’s current situation?

Argentina entered the quarter‑finals after a 2‑0 victory over Angola on 14 November 2025, keeping their momentum alive. The squad is gearing up for the next challenge with confidence from having survived a tough round and eyes firmly set on the trophy. The refereeing controversy does not appear to dent the squad’s morale, which remains focused on the ultimate goal.

Riding a recent wave of wins, Argentina aims to cement its legacy at the 2026 World Cup while the world watches every decision on and off the pitch.