The Independent
·8 July 2026
World Cup 2026 LIVE: Egypt demand investigation after accusing Fifa of ‘fix’ following Messi-inspired Argentina comeback

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Yahoo sportsThe Independent
·8 July 2026

Fifa have been accused of “fixing” the World Cup as a furious Egypt criticised the “injustice” of their controversial exit to Argentina.
Inspired by Lionel Messi, the defending champions roared back from 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals in a dramatic encounter in Atlanta – but Egypt felt they should have had a penalty for a foul on Mohamed Salah in the build-up to Argentina’s winning goal. Striker Mostafa Zico subsequently claimed the competition had been “fixed”, with manager Hossam Hassan suggesting that Fifa wanted to keep the holders in the competition. The Egyptian FA has now demanded an investigation.
The last eight line-up is now confirmed with Switzerland taking the final spot in the quarter-finals after progressing past Colombia on penalties. On-field matters, though, have been overshadowed in the last two days by the ongoing fallout to the apparent intervention of Donald Trump in the suspending of the ban for USA striker Folarin Balogun – with Fifa president Gianni Infantino facing calls to resign over the matter.
Norway’s coach has said that some of his players are suffering from illness ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final with England.
On Sunday, Norway knocked out five-time champions Brazil in a 2-1 win, with Neymar’s late penalty proving nothing but a consolation after Erling Haaland’s fine double.
Alex Pattle8 July 2026 23:00
Donald Trump’s intervention in the Folarin Balogun furore has opened the Fifa president to his most fierce criticism yet, writes Miguel Delaney, and may pave the way for more bitter ‘lawfare’ in football.
Donald Trump’s intervention in the Folarin Balogun furore has opened the Fifa president to his most fierce criticism yet, writes Miguel Delaney, and may pave the way for more bitter ‘lawfare’ in football
Mike Jones8 July 2026 21:00
After all the pre-match shenanigans, an anonymous Folarin Balogun was outshone by Belgium striker Charles De Ketelaere, who scored twice, as poetic justice was a dish best served cold in Seattle.
United States 1-4 Belgium: After all the pre-match shenanigans, an anonymous Folarin Balogun was outshone by Belgium striker Charles De Ketelaere, who scored twice, as poetic justice was a dish best served cold in Seattle
Kieran Jackson8 July 2026 20:30
Egypt controversially had a stunning second goal against Argentina disallowed by VAR in their thrilling World Cup 2026 last-16 clash.
Underdogs Egypt already led 1-0 thanks to Yasser Ibrahim’s first-half header before the reigning world champions were further stunned as Lionel Messi saw his penalty saved shortly after.
And the African side appeared to go 2-0 up, leaving Argentina with a mountain to climb, when they scored a magnificent second goal on 58 minutes.
Luke Baker8 July 2026 20:00
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