Egypt have filed a complaint and posted a stunning statement on social media following their dramatic defeat to Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

The African nation looked as if they were going to pull off a shock when they led 2-0 with 15 minutes of the last 16 clash remaining. It wasn’t to be for The Pharaohs, though, as Argentina scored three late goals to break Egyptian hearts.

Hossam Hassan’s side were absolutely furious after Enzo Fernandez’s winner in the 93rd minute. They believed that Mohamed Salah was felled in the build-up to the goal and that it should not have counted.

They were also reeling that they had a goal disallowed earlier in the second half when Lisandro Martinez was adjudged to have been fouled in the build-up.

Egypt Make Complaint to FIFA

Paul Childs via Reuters

Speaking after the match, Egypt manager Hassan claimed that the game was ‘rigged’ to allow Argentina and Lionel Messi to stay in the competition.

He said: “They want Argentina and Messi to stay in the World Cup for marketing. If they wanted Argentina to win, why invite other teams to participate? This match was clearly rigged, and the whole world witnessed it.

“We were better than Argentina, and football is unfair. We had a clear penalty that the referee didn’t award, and Ziko’s goal at the start of the second half was disallowed, even though it was perfectly legitimate.”

Spanish publication AS have now reported that Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abo Rida has submitted a formal complaint against French referee François Letexier and his officiating team following the match.

Egypt are seeking an explanation and have called for an investigation into what they describe as controversial decisions. The federation has also officially called for the French officiating team to be removed from the remainder of the tournament.

Egypt Post Statement

REUTERS/Marco Bello

The Egyptian FA have now posted an extraordinary statement on social media. It started: “The Egyptian Football Association extends its sincere gratitude to the Egyptian people everywhere for their unwavering support, loyalty, and belief in the national team throughout our FIFA World Cup journey.

“The exceptional support shown by millions of Egyptians, both at home and around the world, was a source of immense pride and motivation for our players and delegation. The national team represented Egypt with honor, determination, and courage, delivering performances that reflected the spirit and character of our nation.

“A number of football experts and specialist analysts, both locally and internationally, have highlighted controversial and influential refereeing incidents during the match. This underlines the importance of maintaining the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency in match officiating, particularly in a competition of the stature and significance of the FIFA World Cup 2026.”

They continued: “Egyptian football has always respected the principles of fair play, sporting integrity, and respect for the game. These same principles require that all teams compete on equal terms and receive equal treatment. What occurred during the match has understandably generated widespread frustration among our players, staff, and supporters, who expected the highest standards of officiating on football’s biggest stage.

“Defending the rights and interests of the Egyptian national team is not a matter that can be ignored, minimized, or treated as secondary. It is a responsibility that we carry with full conviction and determination. Every player who wears the Egyptian shirt, and every supporter who stands behind the team, deserves fairness, respect, and equal application of the laws of the game.”

Professional wrestling star Kam Hendrix has spoken out following the recent viral footage of real-life wife and fellow wrestler Maxxine Dupri kissing Austin Theory.

The incident occurred on the latest episode of WWE Raw, following Theory’s triumph alongside The Vision partner Bron Breakker in the World Tag Team Championship match against The Street Profits in Rosemont, Illinois.

Theory and Breakker were looking to take down the reigning holders, Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford, and regain the crown from the same duo that snatched it from them a fortnight ago on Raw in London.

The Vision appeared to be on the cusp of defeat once more in the latest tag team title showdown, as Theory was set to be struck by Dawkins with brass knuckles late on in the contest.

The Vision member, Logan Paul, attempted to intervene at one point in the fight, but he was dismissed by the referee and could not stop what was appearing to be an inevitable defeat for his stablemates.

However, Dupri made a sudden appearance during the fight’s climax, stepping in to stop Theory getting hit and landing a low blow on Dawkins.

Maxxine Dupri Joins The Vision on Monday Night Raw

This dramatic intervention allowed Theory to pin down Dawkins and land the clinching move, making The Vision champions once more and ending The Street Profits’ short run as holders.

However, the drama did not stop there, as this is when Dupri was seen embracing Theory and sharing a kiss with him. The moment confirmed Dupri’s allegiance to The Vision and on-screen romance with Theory after much backstage speculation.

The viral moment caused many wrestling fans to question how Hendrix felt seeing his wife kiss Theory on the 6th of July Raw broadcast.

Maxxine Dupri’s Real-Life Husband Responds to Kiss

Hendrix, whose real name is Anthony Luke, married Dupri, real name Sydney Zmrzel, last December after about seven years of dating.

It turns out Hendrix was not bothered in the slightest by the incident involving his wife and Theory, as his response on his official X account read: “Damn, didn’t realise how many people were jealous of Kam Hendrix! Feels kinda good, actually.”

Hendrix obviously understands the entertainment and scripted nature of professional wrestling, having been a member of WWE for two years now, so the matter involving Dupri will clearly not bother him.

WWE fans invested in The Vision’s story will be keen to know how Theory and Dupri’s on-screen romance develops and how it could play a part in future events.

United States legend Carli Lloyd has reacted to an eyebrow-raising comment from USMNT star player Christian Pulisic with a brutal nine-word tweet.

Lloyd, the second-most capped player in USWNT history with 316 appearances between 2005-2021, didn’t hold back with her initial assessment of Pulisic after the USA were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Belgium.

“You wanted some of the big time players to step up in big moments, and I’ve got to be honest, I was a bit disappointed in Christian Pulisic,” the 43-year-old said on FOX Sports. “I think, whether he wants to be the star of this team or not, we didn’t see enough from him in this particular game and really the whole World Cup.”

The pre-match build-up was overshadowed by FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend striker Folarin Balogun’s one-man ban, following his red card against Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Round of 32, but the USMTN failed to capitalise on their stroke of good fortune.

REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Pulisic was subbed off by head coach Mauricio Pochettino moments after Belgium had taken a 3-1 lead through Hans Vanaken. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth goal late on before replicating US President Donald Trump’s infamous dance moves alongside his teammates.

Lloyd has now doubled down on her criticism of Pulisic, who said after the USMNT’s 4-1 defeat: “I just twisted and sprained my ankle. It’s frustrating to end like that, of course, but now I get time to rest, so it’ll be okay.”

In response, Lloyd issued a blunt comment via X (Twitter). She wrote:

While some USMNT fans are in complete agreement with Lloyd, left with a bitterly disappointed feeling that Pulisic didn’t do enough at this summer’s showpiece tournament, others feel it was a cheap shot.

One supporter replied: “I really enjoy watching you Carli, but this is one of your few bad takes. He’s resting to recover from an injury. He had an awful game, but I still remember him putting his body on the line to score the goal vs Iran in 2022 that got us out of the group.”

Another commented: “Former female athlete here, but honey THIS is not it. The behaviour of our women’s national team in response to this is actually disgusting. Not only are you making yourself look bad, but you’re making your entire team look bad and giving the haters that much more fuel against you.”

Tim Howard Casts Pulisic Verdict After USMNT Defeat

Action Images / Andrew Couldridge

Meanwhile, former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard has cast his verdict over the backlash against Pulisic.

“To whom much is given, much is required,” the ex-Manchester United and Everton star said to fellow USA legend Landon Donovan. “He is the face of this team. He is undoubtedly its best player and when that happens you will receive all of the money and all of the acclaim, and you’ll receive all of the blame. That’s how it works.

“I hope for his sake that he isn’t on social media for the foreseeable future. He deserves a rest, he can go on holiday. There’s a dark side to fame and celebrity.

“I think he’s a nice footballer. I still think he’s the best player on the team. Outside of that, you’d have to ask me very direct questions, to which I could give very direct answers, but ultimately he’s a nice footballer.”