'It was a rigged game': Tearful Zico blasts referee after Egypt exit

A tearful Mostafa Zico came down heavily on match officials after Egypt's FIFA World Cup 2026 World Cup dream ended in dramatic fashion, claiming the last-16 defeat to Argentina in Atlanta on Tuesday was "rigged."

The Pharaohs looked on course for one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history after racing into a 2-0 lead before the reigning champions staged a sensational late comeback to snatch a 3-2 victory.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

But it was the officiating--not Argentina's comeback—that dominated Egypt's post-match reaction.

Zico was left devastated after seeing his second-half strike ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up, with Egypt also furious after their appeals for a late penalty were waved away moments before Argentina netted the decisive winner in stoppage time.

The controversial calls sparked chaotic scenes on the Egyptian bench, with one member of the coaching staff sent off amid furious protests.

An emotional Zico did not hold back after the final whistle.

"The referee wasn't good, he was unfair," the forward said.

We produced a great performance against the world champions. I don't know what happened in the second half. Strange things happened that everyone saw. It was as clear as the sun in broad daylight.

Egypt goalscorer Mostafa Zico

"His injustice was clear. He persecuted us from the start of the match. He doesn't want us to win."

Still struggling to contain his emotions, Zico went even further with an explosive claim.

"It was a rigged game. It wasn't our fault. That referee... it seems like this match was rigged.

"We were winning 2-0, and he kept coming at us.

"Congratulations to Argentina on another World Cup, it seems."

"We produced a great performance against the world champions. I don't know what happened in the second half. Strange things happened that everyone saw. It was as clear as the sun in broad daylight," he said.

Egypt boss Hossam Hassan echoed his player's frustration, insisting his side had been denied by crucial refereeing decisions and revealing he had no interest in watching the rest of the tournament.

"I'm going home and won't be watching any more games from the tournament," Hassan told reporters.

"What happened to us wasn't fair. We should have had a penalty, a goal was disallowed, and I don't know why it was disallowed."

The Egyptian coach admitted his side made costly mistakes during Argentina's stunning comeback but insisted those errors were overshadowed by what he believed were game-changing officiating decisions.

"Even if the goals came from mistakes, the biggest mistake is not getting what you're entitled to from those responsible for making the decisions," he added.

Hassan also praised his players for pushing the world champions to the brink, pointing out that most of his squad play in Egypt's domestic league.

"Most of our players come from the Egyptian domestic league... yet we were able to compete with anyone."

Egypt's controversial exit is certain to fuel debate over VAR and refereeing, with Zico's disallowed goal and the rejected penalty appeals likely to remain talking points long after the tournament moves on.