Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1200 EAT on Wednesday 8 July 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final lineup is complete after a dramatic round of 16 that produced late comebacks, penalty shootouts and major upsets.

France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain, Belgium, Argentina and Switzerland have all secured places in the last eight, setting up four high-profile quarter-final clashes across the United States.

However, off the pitch, the tournament continues to attract controversy. Egypt has raised concerns over officiating following its defeat to Argentina, while FIFA faces renewed scrutiny over decisions involving the United States team and alleged political involvement by US President Donald Trump.

FIFA is facing renewed scrutiny following Argentina’s controversial 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, coming just a day after the governing body was criticised for overturning USA striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension following an intervention by US President Donald Trump.

The latest controversy has intensified debate over FIFA’s decision-making processes and raised questions about consistency and transparency in disciplinary matters during the tournament.

FIFA is facing renewed scrutiny following Argentina’s controversial 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, coming just a day after the governing body was criticised for overturning USA striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension following an intervention by US President Donald Trump.

The latest controversy has intensified debate over FIFA’s decision-making processes and raised questions about consistency and transparency in disciplinary matters during the tournament.

Egypt’s defeat in Atlanta was overshadowed by a late VAR intervention that ruled out the Pharaohs’ second goal, a decision that changed the momentum of the match before Argentina completed their comeback to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan accused FIFA of favouring the defending champions, suggesting that officials may have been under pressure to ensure Lionel Messi remained in the tournament.

“Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running. The world champions received support at every level,” Hassan told beIN Sports.

The controversy comes amid growing concerns over officiating at the tournament following FIFA’s decision to rescind USA striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension after a public request from US President Donald Trump. Although Balogun returned for the USA’s round-of-16 defeat to Belgium, the decision triggered criticism over possible political influence in football’s governing body.

An Argentina fan was seen waving an Israeli flag during his team’s round-of-16 match against Egypt, drawing attention amid broader political tensions surrounding the fixture.

The gesture sparked debate, with some observers viewing it as a possible provocation towards Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan, who had dedicated Egypt’s historic first-ever World Cup knockout-stage victory to the people of Gaza.

Two members of the United States football team’s staff were suspended by FIFA ahead of Monday’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium.

FIFA did not provide details on the reasons behind the disciplinary action against team manager Sam Zapatka and United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Vice President of Security Frank Pannell.

The USSF also did not disclose the cause of the suspensions, but said the decision was unrelated to the successful appeal that resulted in forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match red-card suspension being overturned.

-Aljazeera

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