World Cup nation at risk of ban as FIFA open disciplinary proceedings over Argentina comments

FIFA could take disciplinary action against a 2026 World Cup nation for comments directed at Argentina during the tournament.

Argentina came agonisingly close to winning successive World Cup trophies after reaching the final, only to have their dreams crushed by Ferran Torres' extra-time goal after Enzo Fernandez was sent off.

Spain fully merited their victory on the day in New Jersey and arguably across the tournament after Argentina played their part in a series of contentious moments.

Several unfounded conspiracy theories surrounding La Albiceleste gathered momentum on social media throughout this summer’s showpiece in North America.

FIFA and the match officials were accused of showing favouritism towards Argentina, setting a dangerous precedent early on when Lionel Messi was fortunate to avoid a red card for his reckless challenge in their opening group match against Algeria.

That moment involving Messi was one of many that led to conspiracy theories spiralling out of control on social media - most notably during their thrilling 3-2 victory over Egypt in the last 16 - arguably the most controversial match of the tournament for refereeing decisions.

Egypt could face FIFA ban for comments made towards Argentina

Egypt came agonisingly close to pulling off one of the greatest World Cup upsets when strikes from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko opened up a two-goal lead.

But Argentina staged a stunning comeback in the final 15 minutes through goals from Cristian Romero, Messi and Fernandez, as Lionel Scaloni's side scraped through by the skin of their teeth.

The manner of their victory was brought into disrepute by the African nation, who felt there was a foul in the build-up to Messi's equaliser after seeing their very own goal chalked off for a foul in the build-up.

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan went viral post-match for his X gesture directed towards referee Francois Letexier, later confirming that this was a protest against the poor refereeing during the match.

READ NEXT: FIFA 'sack' one of Gianni Infantino's most senior officials after public criticism as statement issued

"We were the better side today against Argentina, but football is not fair, and what happened was unjust, even though FIFA raises the banner of 'fair play'," Hassan stated in his post-match press conference.

Ziko also made the headlines for his post-match interview after claiming the tournament was "rigged" in favour of Argentina, while ironically congratulating them on winning the World Cup.

"Congratulations to Argentina on the World Cup," Ziko said. "The tournament is rigged, the referee was unjust, from the start of the match he was against us, and he wasted the efforts of an entire nation. Were they going to let us beat Argentina 2-0? The tournament is rigged, and congratulations to Argentina on the World Cup."

Six weeks on from those comments, the Egyptian FA have since responded, confirming that FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against the Hassan brothers and Ziko.

A statement on August 20 read: "The Egyptian federation is following the disciplinary proceedings that the International Federation of Association Football has begun against Hossam Hassan, the national team's head coach, Ibrahim Hassan, the team's manager, and the player Mustafa Ziko, on the back of their statements after the Egypt v Argentina match at the 2026 World Cup.

"The federation affirms its respect for FIFA's regulations and procedures, and the necessary responses and legal memoranda will be submitted within the specified deadlines, while confirming its support and backing for those concerned by the proceedings and the defence of the rights of Egyptian football, through official channels."

Rules state that FIFA can discipline national football associations, players, or teams for political statements, banners, or offensive comments, typically resulting in fines, warnings, or investigations, with Egypt awaiting the outcome of the punishment.