Milei dismisses World Cup rigging claims as 'nonsense'

Argentine President Javier Milei has dismissed allegations that the 2026 World Cup is rigged in favor of Argentina, calling such claims "a tontería" (nonsense). Speaking to radio El Observador a day after Argentina's dramatic comeback win against Egypt, Milei rejected suggestions that the team has been favored by referees or that his relationship with Donald Trump influences outcomes. "If my friendship with Trump had anything to do with it, the United States wouldn't have been eliminated in the first round," he said Source: clarin.

The controversy

The claims of favoritism resurfaced after Argentina's 2-1 victory over Egypt, secured by a late goal. Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan accused the referees of bias, citing a disallowed Egyptian goal and an uncalled foul on Alexis Mac Allister. Hassan said the result was influenced by "internal factors" and pressure from the Argentine delegation Source: lavozar.

Reactions and fallout

Milei defended the integrity of the tournament, emphasizing that VAR "eliminated the discretionary and debatable aspects" of the game Source: lavozar. Meanwhile, Argentine legislator Waldo Wolff called Hassan a "clown" for a gesture made after the match, prompting Milei to share the criticism on social media. The gesture, crossing wrists, is actually an anti-racism signal promoted by FIFA, but Wolff interpreted it differently Source: lavozar.