Hossam Hassan accuses officials of fixing Egypt’s World Cup last-16 defeat, after a 3-2 loss to Argentina. Egypt led 2-0 in Atlanta Stadium but conceded three late goals. Hassan says Egypt were “cheated unfairly” and insists key video reviews and decisions went against the team.

Egypt, in a first World Cup last-16 appearance, had Argentina under severe pressure after two goals. Yasser Ibrahim scored with a 15th-minute header, then Mostafa Zico doubled the lead on 67 minutes. Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi levelled within four minutes, before Enzo Fernandez scored the stoppage-time winner.

Hassan delivered an angry statement about the refereeing and VAR process after the final whistle. “I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice, Hassan said in an explosive press conference. I will say what’s on my mind regardless of the consequence. This was clearly a rigged match, and the whole world saw it. And I want to say one more thing, if they want Argentina to win so badly, why call everyone to come and participate?”

Egypt also created a notable World Cup statistic despite the defeat. The team became the only African side ever to lead reigning champions by at least two goals at the tournament. That advantage disappeared in the final minutes, leaving Egypt eliminated and Argentina still defending the title.

One main focus for Hassan is the disallowed goal from Zico in the first half. VAR cancelled that strike after a foul by Marwan Attia on Lisandro Martinez during the build-up. Later, Alexis Mac Allister appeared to pull Hamdy Fathy’s shirt in the box, but Egypt’s penalty appeals were rejected.

Hassan argued that the refereeing display lacked basic fairness and proper VAR use. “We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There has not been respect or fair play, Hassan added. A penalty was ruled out, was not even checked by VAR. A second goal was remarkably disallowed. There has not even been a VAR check when we have all seen the image of the [shirt]being pulled back.”

The match almost swung earlier when Argentina received a penalty with Egypt already ahead. Haissem Hassan brought down Nicolas Tagliafico inside the area, giving Messi a chance from the spot. Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly and saved, keeping Egypt’s lead intact and raising belief of a famous upset.

Hassan later broadened the criticism, saying incorrect calls mattered more than defensive errors. “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, Hassan fumed. I’m the type of person who hates losing. And when it’s a defeat that feels unjust like today’s, I can only tell the fans not to be upset. We wanted so much to give them more joy.”

The mood contrasted with a more hopeful message from the Egypt national team account on social media. The post underlined pride in the display, despite the result against the champions, and looked towards future tournaments.

Hassan then stated that the perceived injustice had affected interest in the rest of the tournament. “I am not going to continue following the matches of this World Cup, watching the matches of this World Cup, he said. This is my own way of speaking up.” Egypt exit the competition with both frustration and clear signs of progress on the pitch.