The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has lodged a formal complaint with Fifa demanding that referee Francois Letexier and his officiating crew be expelled from the 2026 World Cup following Egypt's 3-2 last-16 defeat by Argentina in Atlanta. The EFA has called for an investigation into what it describes as "double standards" and "blatant errors", alleging discrimination against its national team. The row matters because Egypt were leading and on course for a first-ever World Cup quarter-final before the officiating decisions turned the match.

With Egypt 1-0 up in the second half, VAR ruled out a goal by Mostafa Zico after midfielder Marwan Attia was penalised for stepping on Lisandro Martinez's foot earlier in the move, and Egypt also felt Mohamed Salah was fouled in the box shortly before Argentina's stoppage-time winner. Lionel Messi, potentially playing his final World Cup, set up Argentina's first goal in the 79th minute and equalised in the 83rd. Manager Hossam Hassan and Zico both alleged unfair treatment, with Zico claiming the tournament was "fixed", while BBC analysis notes that such protests rarely succeed — France's similar 2022 complaint was dismissed without explanation. The EFA also confirmed a new contract for Hassan, and Argentina next face Switzerland in Kansas City.