Days after Argentina’s controversial win over Egyt in the round of 16, the head coach Lionel Scaloni broke silence on growing allegations that the defending champions are receiving favourable treatment during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The criticism surrounding the team has become a source of motivation rather than distraction, the head coach said.
Scaloni’s remarks come ahead of Argentina’s quarter-final clash against Switzerland, amid increasing debate over refereeing decisions, VAR interventions and the team’s route through the knockout stages.
The controversy intensified after Argentina came from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. Following the defeat, members of Egypt’s camp alleged that the World Cup was “fixed” in Argentina’s favour.
Addressing the issue at a pre-match press conference, Scaloni acknowledged that the criticism has reached the dressing room but said the players are using it to fuel their performances. “We might have a lot more people who don’t want us to win because we won the last one. It gets to the players, but we use criticism and comments to stage a rebellion and make the players perform even better,” Scaloni said.
The Argentina coach added that similar accusations have followed the national team for decades. “It’s been 40 years since 1986, and they were saying we were favoured back then too. It’s nothing new. Argentina has always been one of the teams that generates debate during the World Cup. We remind the players that there are people who don’t want Argentina to win, and that’s normal,” he said.
The use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has also come under scrutiny following Argentina’s Round of 16 victory, particularly after Egypt had a second-half goal disallowed for an infringement that occurred more than 10 seconds before the ball found the net.
Scaloni rejected suggestions that the technology was being used to benefit his side, insisting officials were simply applying the tournament’s regulations. “I think with VAR it’s very hard for anyone to help you. Before the tournament started, we were shown exactly how it would work, and those guidelines have been followed to the letter,” he said.
Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.