FIFA Confirms No Replay for Egypt vs. Argentina in 2026 World Cup

Rumors have circulated on social media regarding a possible replay of the Round of 16 match between Egypt and Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.

The match concluded with Argentina winning 3-2, but allegations of refereeing errors during the game sparked speculation about a potential rematch.

However, there have been no official indications or decisions from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) about replaying the match, nor has any statement been issued confirming an investigation that could lead to such a decision.

According to FIFA regulations, refereeing decisions made during a match are final, and matches are not replayed due to refereeing errors or video assistant referee (VAR) decisions except under extremely rare circumstances.

These exceptional cases involve errors in applying the laws of the game rather than incorrect judgment calls by referees.

In recent years, FIFA has rejected numerous requests to replay matches that involved controversial refereeing, reaffirming the principle that on-field decisions are final unless there is a clear violation of the competition's rules.

Therefore, the claims about replaying the Egypt-Argentina match lack any official backing from FIFA or the 2026 World Cup organizing committee, and the match result remains as it was decided on the field.

Consequently, the circulating news about a rematch between Egypt and Argentina in the 2026 World Cup is inaccurate at this time, with no official FIFA decision supporting these claims.

Algeria’s World Cup 2026 Performance Critiqued

Moussa Saib, former captain of the Algerian national team, outlined reasons for Algeria's failure in the 2026 World Cup finals and urged officials to make decisive changes.

Since Algeria’s elimination from the ongoing tournament following their defeat to Switzerland, there has been a call among the local public for fundamental reforms to restore the lost spirit within the "Greens" squad.

In remarks to the website "Afrik Foot," Moussa Saib stated, "The problem for us was not the defeat itself, as that is part of football, but the manner in which we lost. The Algerian team left us with a strange feeling in this tournament."

He added, "The poor performance was not only during the second half against Switzerland but throughout all the matches. We were completely off the mark, similar to the Tunisian team."

Saib continued, "Unlike teams such as Cape Verde, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Senegal, who were also eliminated, we did not challenge any opponent. We allowed everyone to play comfortably against us; the team’s character was completely absent."

He further commented, "Our biggest issue was the lack of defensive stability. When you lack this detail at a high level, the result inevitably suffers. Our goal conceded count was nine in four matches, which is high, in addition to the coach’s choices that I frankly did not understand."

Criticizing Vladimir Petković, Saib said, "The starting lineup changed every time. We played a match without a striker. These choices indicate a lack of clarity in the coaching staff’s vision despite their two-year tenure."

He added, "The way our team started against Switzerland did not match the importance of the occasion. You cannot play a World Cup knockout match without any intensity. Now, we have exited narrowly against an opponent within our reach."

Saib concluded, "I support appointing an Algerian coach to lead the national team. All our achievements came under local coaches. African teams succeed with their own nationals. Look at what Hossam Hassan is doing with Egypt in this World Cup, before that Emers Faye with Ivory Coast and Pape Thiaw with Senegal. I oppose the idea of bringing in foreign coaches every time."