Benni McCarthy rips into referee following Egypt's controversial FIFA World Cup exit
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 08.07.26. | 11:56
The decision proved decisive in the end as Argentina mounted a comeback from 2-0 down before Enzo Fernández struck the winning goal deep into stoppage time
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has criticised the controversial VAR decisions that overshadowed Egypt's dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16, saying he was left stunned by the level of officiating.
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The defending champions came from behind in the final 10 minutes to eliminate the Pharaohs in Atlanta, but the match was dominated by controversy after Egypt had a second goal ruled out following a lengthy VAR review before Argentina scored a stoppage-time winner that was not subjected to the same level of scrutiny.
Egypt had doubled their lead through Mostafa Ziko, who was brilliantly released by Mohamed Salah after the former Liverpool forward combined superbly with Haissem Hassan down the right. Ziko calmly slotted past Emiliano MartÃnez from the left edge of the box.
However, Egypt's celebrations were short-lived as the goal was chalked off after Argentina's players appealed for a VAR review over an alleged foul in the build-up.
The decision proved decisive in the end as Argentina mounted a comeback from 2-0 down before Enzo Fernández struck the winning goal deep into stoppage time.
Egypt were left incensed after match officials did not review an apparent foul by Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up to Fernández' winner, prompting accusations of inconsistency in the use of VAR.
McCarthy, who watched the match, questioned both the decision to overturn Egypt's goal and the failure to intervene before Argentina's decisive strike.
"It's the first time I've seen a legitimate goal scored, and the opposition pleaded with the referee to go to VAR to check for a foul in the build-up that was never a foul. There was absolutely nothing in it.
And for the referee to go to VAR because Messi and the Argentina players were asking him to check for a foul is crazy."
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan also launched a scathing attack on the officiating, claiming his side had been denied a fair chance to progress.
"There have been a lot of things to be questioned on and off the pitch. Negative aspects all around. It's just about credibility, lack of credibility with how things unfolded.
Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.
The world champions received support at every level. There seem to be pressures from the Argentina side on this outcome."
