A chaotic, unplanned moment interrupted Morocco’s official press conference ahead of a World Cup fixture, when a heated argument between two attending journalists escalated into an on-stage physical altercation. The awkward disruption left onlookers and attendees stunned, most notably Real Madrid and Morocco international winger Brahim Diaz, whose visibly confused and perplexed reaction to the sudden brawl was captured on camera. The unusual incident quickly went viral across sports media platforms, drawing widespread attention from football fans around the globe who shared clips and reacted to the out-of-place confrontation during what was supposed to be a routine pre-event media appearance. The press conference, organized to allow Morocco’s players and coaching staff to answer questions from the press ahead of their World Cup match, was thrown off schedule by the unexpected conflict between the two reporters, who were reportedly separated by event staff shortly after the argument began. Moments of the altercation and Diaz’s reaction have been circulated widely as supplementary World Cup content by sports outlets covering the tournament.
分类： sports
-
Gout Gout suffers major injury blow ending his 2026 months early
One of Australian track and field’s most promising young sprint talents, 18-year-old Gout Gout, has delivered crushing news to his fanbase: a significant training injury has ended his entire 2026 competitive campaign and forced him to withdraw from the upcoming World Under-20 Athletics Championships. The speedster shared the update via his official Instagram account on Thursday, revealing the setback occurred during a training session in Brisbane the previous evening.
In a raw, heartfelt public statement, Gout Gout detailed the extent of his injury: a partial thickness tear to his left hamstring, paired with partial disruption of the connecting tendon. After receiving MRI results early Wednesday morning, the teen confirmed he would be unable to compete at the championships scheduled to take place next month in Eugene, Oregon, United States.
“ I’m very disappointed but I have no other possibility but to accept this situation,” Gout Gout wrote in his post. “I understand this is part of athletics. My focus now will be on my rehab in the coming weeks and months and ensuring I come back in 2027 better and stronger and faster.” Effectively closing the door on any return to racing this year, he closed his post with a straightforward promise to fans: “See yall in 2027.”
Within hours of the announcement, messages of support flooded the teen sprinter’s comment section from across the global athletics community. The official Australian Olympic Team account was among the first to offer encouragement, writing “All the best in your recovery Gout. Looking forward to seeing you back on the track in 2027.” Former Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter Justin Gatlin added, “Let that recovery make you hungry, G,” while American sprinter Tate Taylor shared: “Keep faith man, hope all is well, much love always.”
-
Anton Segner selected in New Zealand squad to face Italy as the first Germany-born All Black
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – In a historic milestone for New Zealand rugby, 24-year-old backrower Anton Segner is on track to become the first German-born player ever to represent the iconic All Blacks, set to make his international debut off the bench this Saturday during the second round of the Nations Championship against Italy.
The Auckland Blues standout was among 11 changes to the All Blacks lineup announced by head coach Dave Rennie, following the team’s narrow 34-32 opening-round victory over France. Five of the adjustments see new players stepping into starting positions, and Segner will share his debut milestone with winger Josh Moorby, who will also earn his first cap for the national side.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Segner first arrived in New Zealand back in 2015 at age 15 as an exchange student, originally planning for only a six-month stay. He went on to attend Nelson College, New Zealand’s oldest secondary school, an institution with deep roots in rugby history – it hosted the first recorded rugby match played in New Zealand in 1870 and has produced 23 All Blacks players to date.
After his initial stay, Segner carved out a successful domestic rugby career: he led the under-20 side of the Christchurch-based Crusaders, represented the Tasman Makos in New Zealand’s domestic National Provincial Championship, and joined the Blues in 2024 ahead of his first full Super Rugby season with the Auckland franchise.
Segner recalled that his connection to New Zealand rugby began much earlier, when he was just 10 years old playing club rugby in Frankfurt. “I had a whole bunch of Kiwi coaches there who inspired me to come over to New Zealand to give rugby a go,” he explained. Comparing rugby culture in New Zealand to the passion Germans have for soccer, he added, “It’s a rugby-crazy country and that’s all I wanted. To make this (All Blacks) squad now is definitely a dream come true.”
Rennie heaped praise on Segner, identifying him as the standout performer from the Blues through the 2025 Super Rugby season. The head coach highlighted Segner’s strengths: elite ball-winning ability in open play, proven on-field resilience, and consistent value at lineouts, all of which earned him his call-up to the national squad.
Joining Segner as a debutant, Josh Moorby has had a standout 2025 Super Rugby campaign. After leaving New Zealand in 2024 for a stint with French Top 14 side Montpellier, Moorby returned to the Wellington Hurricanes this year and notched 17 tries, tying the all-time single-season try-scoring record in Super Rugby.
Rennie explained that his adjustments to the lineup were designed to balance opportunities for in-form players while maintaining continuity for combinations that proved successful against France. “There are a number of players and combinations who we felt deserved and would benefit from a second successive run, and other players who have earned the right to get their opportunity,” Rennie said.
The head coach emphasized that the rotated lineup reflects the All Blacks’ full respect for Italy’s growing competitiveness in international rugby, adding, “This is a strong side to reflect the respect we have for this Italian team. They have shown through the Six Nations competition that they are capable of knocking over any team.”
Most of the All Blacks’ backline structure remains unchanged from the opening round, with the starting combination of scrumhalf Cam Roigard, flyhalf Ruben Love and inside center Jordie Barrett retained. Changes to the starting side include Billy Proctor replacing Quinn Tupaea at outside center, Leroy Carter stepping in for Caleb Clarke on the left wing, Wallace Sititi taking over from Peter Lakai on blindside flanker, Tupou Vaa’i partnering Sam Darry in the second row, and Tyrel Lomax starting at tighthead prop in place of Fletcher Newell. Luke Jacobson retains his spot at openside flanker, with captain Ardie Savea remaining at number 8.
On the reserves bench, Samisoni Taukei’aho will cover hooker, George Bower joins as a new prop option, lock Josh Lord drops to the reserves after starting against France, and Segner, Moorby and Anton Lienert-Brown all earn their first call-ups to the matchday squad for the 2025 Nations Championship.
-
Injury-hit Wallabies turn to rookie Declan Meredith at flyhalf for test against France
BRISBANE, Australia – A devastating wave of injuries to Australia’s starting flyhalf options has cleared a path for 27-year-old Declan Meredith to make his long-awaited test debut for the Wallabies this Saturday, when the side takes on back-to-back Six Nations champions France in the latest round of the Nations Championship.
Hailing from Cairns in Australia’s tropical far north, Meredith joined the Canberra-based Brumbies franchise ahead of the 2023 season. His selection this weekend marks a remarkable milestone: he will become the sixth different player to start a test match in the coveted No. 10 flyhalf position for Australia since July 2023, a statistic that underscores the depth of the Wallabies’ current injury crisis at the role.
The latest absences that opened the door for Meredith came after last weekend’s narrow 33-31 defeat to Ireland. Carter Gordon, who started the match at flyhalf, came away with an injury, while replacement Ben Donaldson – who missed a late match-winning penalty that would have sealed an upset win over Ireland – was also ruled out of this weekend’s clash. Meredith will partner with his Brumbies teammate scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan to form an entirely new halves combination for the Wallabies, the latest in a string of new pairings the side has fielded over the past year.
Over the 12 months leading into this match, Australia has already turned to five different starting flyhalves: Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, James O’Connor, Tane Edmed, and most recently Carter Gordon. The only other change to the Wallabies’ starting 15 sees fullback Tom Wright return to the opening lineup. Jock Campbell, who made his first test appearance in four years starting at fullback against Ireland, will drop to the bench to provide cover for both the 10 and 15 positions.
In addition to the flyhalf injuries, the eighth-ranked Wallabies will also be without loose forward Tom Hooper, who sustained a shoulder injury in the Ireland clash. Nick Champion de Crespigny will take Hooper’s place on the reserves bench.
Announcing the revised match squad in Brisbane on Thursday, Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt acknowledged the difficult close to last weekend’s opening match, noting that the squad had refocused through the week to prepare for France. “The group has reset this week in Brisbane after what was a tough ending to the first game of the Nations Championship,” Schmidt said. “We have worked hard on continuing to improve after missing some vital opportunities last weekend.”
Across the dressing room, reigning Six Nations champions France are also facing their own injury disruption ahead of the match, having opened their Nations Championship campaign with a narrow 34-32 defeat to New Zealand. Star winger Damian Penaud, who scored his record-extending 41st test try for France against the All Blacks, was forced out of the Australia and Japan fixtures with a calf injury, forcing at least one enforced change to France’s starting lineup, with more adjustments expected from head coach.
The full Australia starting lineup is: Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’alii, Len Ikitau, Dylan Pietsch, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (captain), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Josh Canham, Allan Ala’alatoa, Josh Nasser, Angus Bell. Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu.
-
Your World Cup team’s been knocked out. Who should you support now?
If your home country’s team has already been eliminated from the 2026 Men’s World Cup, continuing to watch the knockout stages can feel purposeless without a team to root for. For many soccer fans, switching support to a side that isn’t your national team feels unthinkable. But there is no shame in wanting to keep enjoying the world’s biggest sporting event – and this guide is here to help you pick a new favorite from the eight remaining quarterfinalists, complete with official tournament betting odds sourced from a consensus of leading U.S. sportsbooks as of Wednesday, key team details, and iconic fan chants to help you cheer along. The teams are listed below in alphabetical order:
### Argentina
Odds to win the World Cup: +400 (a $10 bet returns $40 in profit for a win)
Star Player: Lionel Messi (yes, *that* Lionel Messi)
What to know: Argentina is gunning for back-to-back men’s World Cup titles, a feat no nation has pulled off since Brazil claimed consecutive championships in 1958 and 1962. Messi, the global icon leading the side, is already the men’s World Cup’s all-time top goalscorer with 21 career tournament goals, and leads all players at this year’s edition with eight goals to date.
Iconic fan chant: “Vamos, vamos Argentina” (“Let’s go, Argentina”)
Choose Argentina if you love: Safe title contenders, flavorful South American steak, and generational talent wearing the iconic No. 10 jersey.—
### Belgium
Odds to win the World Cup: 30-1 (a $10 bet returns $300 in profit for a win)
Star Players: Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois
What to know: Belgium knocked the United States out of the tournament in the round of 16, a result many fans around the world viewed as poetic justice after former U.S. President Donald Trump intervened publicly to push for Folarin Balogun’s inclusion in the U.S. starting lineup for the match. Entering this World Cup, expectations were low for Belgium, as most of the veteran players that defined its “golden generation” have aged out of the squad.
Iconic fan chants: “Waar is dat feestje” (“Where is the party”) or “Tous ensemble” (“All together”)
Choose Belgium if you love: Belgian waffles, artisanal chocolate, viral on-field dance celebrations, and long-running golden generations that consistently outperform expectations.—
### England
Odds to win the World Cup: +450 (a $10 bet returns $45 in profit for a win)
Star Players: Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham
What to know: It is a fact that rarely gets highlighted, but England’s senior men’s national team has not won a major international tournament since hosting and claiming the 1966 World Cup. Despite inventing the modern game of soccer, England has rarely claimed the sport’s top prize despite consistent deep runs in recent tournaments.
Iconic fan chant: “It’s coming home”
Choose England if you love: Britpop, lions, classic fish and chips, and rooting for a side that has carried decades of near-miss heartbreak.—
### France
Odds to win the World Cup: +180 (a $10 bet returns $18 in profit for a win)
Star Players: Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise
What to know: France claimed the 2018 World Cup title and finished as runners-up in 2022, making them the consensus favorite to lift the trophy this year. Didier Deschamps, the team’s departing head coach, is already a legend of the tournament: he won the World Cup as France’s captain in 1998, then led the side to the title 20 years later as head coach.
Iconic fan chant: “Allez les bleus” (“Go Blues”)
Choose France if you love: Traditional baguettes, the Eiffel Tower, fine Champagne, and one of the most fearsome attacking lines in the tournament.—
### Morocco
Odds to win the World Cup: 27-1 (a $10 bet returns $270 in profit for a win)
Star Players: Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou
What to know: Four years ago in Qatar, Morocco made history as the first African and Arab nation to reach a men’s World Cup semifinal, a transformative moment for global soccer. They have matched that run this year, and now have a chance to go one step further – but first, they must get past France, the same side that knocked them out of the 2022 tournament in the semifinal stage.
Iconic fan chant: “Dima Maghrib” (“Morocco Forever”)
Choose Morocco if you love: Sahara desert landscapes, bustling traditional souks, and rooting for a tenacious underdog.—
### Norway
Odds to win the World Cup: 14-1 (a $10 bet returns $140 in profit for a win)
Star Players: Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard
What to know: This is Norway’s first appearance in a men’s World Cup since 1998, and the first time the side has ever advanced to the quarterfinal stage of the tournament. Norwegian fans, both inside tournament stadiums and back home, have become famous for their raucous “Viking Row” supporter celebrations that have gone viral throughout the tournament.
Iconic fan chant: “Ro! Ro!” (“Row! Row!”)
Choose Norway if you love: rowing, viral social media trends, towering world-class strikers, and upsets over powerhouse Brazil.—
### Spain
Odds to win the World Cup: +360 (a $10 bet returns $36 in profit for a win)
Star Players: Lamine Yamal, Rodri
What to know: Spain holds a unique record at this year’s tournament: the side has not conceded a single goal across five matches heading into the quarterfinals. Their breakout star is winger Lamine Yamal, who was just 16 when he helped Spain win the 2024 European Championship, and will turn 19 the day after their quarterfinal match.
Iconic fan chant: “Lolololo”
Choose Spain if you love: Spanish tapas, clean sheets, possession-focused soccer, and generational young talent on the wing.—
### Switzerland
Odds to win the World Cup: 30-1 or longer, the longest odds of any quarterfinalist across most sportsbooks
Star Players: Granit Xhaka, Johan Manzambi
What to know: Switzerland has long been a consistent contender at the European Championship, but this year marks the first time the side has advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals in 72 years. They are notoriously difficult to beat within 90 minutes of regulation play.
Iconic fan chants: “Hopp Schwiiz” (German) or “Hop Suisse” (French), both meaning “Go Switzerland”
Choose Switzerland if you love: tennis legend Roger Federer, multilingual national culture, more cowbell, progressive immigration policy, and efficient high-quality public transport. -
Luke Beveridge says AFL’s Will Lewis staging fine sets ‘new precedent’
A fresh controversy has erupted in Australian Rules Football after Western Bulldogs head coach Luke Beveridge launched a scathing rebuke of the AFL’s decision to uphold a staging fine against forward Will Lewis, accusing the league of dismissing clear medical evidence to set a troubling new precedent for future disciplinary cases.
The penalty stems from an incident during last Friday’s match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where the Bulldogs fell to the Sydney Swans. Lewis was issued a AU$1000 fine for alleged intentional staging during the game’s fourth quarter. In a bid to overturn the charge, the Western Bulldogs club submitted official medical documentation proving Lewis had been struck hard in the solar plexus during the play, a blow that left him temporarily unable to breathe and forced him to remain on the ground.
Despite the submission, the AFL declined to reverse the fine. Beveridge told reporters this outcome now establishes a new, unwelcome standard that all Australian Football League clubs will have to navigate going forward. “In this one, he’s actually copped one in the solar plexus, it’s knocked the wind out of him,” Beveridge explained. “He’s hit the deck and then he’s obviously been charged with staging … what the AFL are saying to us is if you get hit, regardless if you do or don’t, if you stay down you can still be charged with staging.”
Beveridge emphasized that the medical submission clearly confirmed Lewis could not have gotten back to his feet immediately due to his injury, yet the league brushed this evidence aside. “The AFL has obviously thumbed their nose at it and said, ‘We just think you’ve staged’,” he said. “It’s changed now to what staging is, it’s totally contingent on how long you stay down, not whether or not you actually got hit because he got hit.”
The coach also came to Lewis’ defense, pushing back against any implication that the forward intentionally faked an injury to gain an advantage. “I feel for him because I don’t want him to be tarred with a brush that he’s put on an act because he hasn’t,” Beveridge said. “It just means now that if doctors from the football clubs, if they put forward submissions that a player is in discomfort, has been hit, the AFL will now ignore that and base it on what they see.”
Beyond the disciplinary controversy, Beveridge also confirmed that key Bulldogs ruckman Tim English is in fitness doubt ahead of this weekend’s highly anticipated match against the West Coast Eagles. English played through discomfort in last week’s loss to the Swans, and his availability for the upcoming clash remains uncertain. He will need to get through a full training session without issue and pull up well by Friday to be confirmed as a starter.
Beveridge noted that English has struggled for consistent form this season, a slump he attributes in part to disrupted game time from a recent concussion that has also dented the big man’s confidence. The coach, however, remains optimistic that consistent selection will help English return to his dominant best. “A bit like our midfield group this year, we’ve had some inconsistency through them working together, individuals at times and Tim’s in that,” he said. “But he’s obviously had some disruptions with the concussion, so a part of it might be a confidence thing. I’ve got every thought in my head that he’s going to be able to move towards being influential again – whether that is this week or not remains to be seen.” -
Belgium gets serious for World Cup quarterfinal with Spain after gleefully routing US
CARSON, Calif. — The jubilant post-match dances, playful taunts and triumphant social media posts have been set aside. After securing a dominant 4-1 knockout stage win over host nation the United States on Monday in Seattle, Belgium’s Red Devils have shifted fully into preparation mode as they aim to extend their deep World Cup run on American soil.
The squad held closed training sessions in the Los Angeles area Wednesday, still carrying momentum from two consecutive knockout stage wins that have defied early expectations. They opened their knockout run with a dramatic comeback victory over Senegal, followed by a thorough dismantling of the Americans, and now face their highest-stakes test yet: a quarterfinal showdown Friday against undefeated, tournament favorite Spain, who have yet to concede a single goal throughout the competition.
For Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, this unpredictable, rollercoaster World Cup campaign has forged a new mental grit and collective belief within the squad that he believes can carry them past Spain.
“We came into the game against the U.S. knowing it would be an enormous battle,” Courtois told reporters at LA Galaxy’s suburban training stadium. “They were the home side, playing in front of a sold-out crowd fully behind them, so to put in a strong performance both defensively and offensively, sticking to our game plan, that gave the whole group a huge confidence boost.”
Belgium entered the U.S. match fueled by widespread indignation, after FIFA controversially lifted a one-game red card suspension for star American forward Folarin Balogun, a decision that came after former U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to demand a review of the suspension. The Red Devils turned that frustration into on-pitch dominance, outclassing the American side and celebrating their win exuberantly both on the pitch and in the locker room after the final whistle.
The most viral moment of the celebration came when multiple Belgian players performed a simplified dance long associated with Trump, a routine that has been adopted by athletes across global sports in recent months — including American star Christian Pulisic.
When asked about the timing and meaning of the dance following Trump’s intervention in the Balogun suspension, Belgian left back Diego Moreira offered a low-key explanation through an interpreter. “There are so many different ways to celebrate a goal or a win,” Moreira said. “You can try different dances, and that’s just what we did. We were simply celebrating a big win after the game.”
Courtois, who was undergoing mandatory doping control immediately after the match and was not present for the locker room celebration, declined to comment on the dance.
After arriving in the Los Angeles area for their quarterfinal match at SoFi Stadium, the Red Devils confirmed the celebratory chapter is fully closed, and all focus is now on Spain. The squad did, however, retain a bit of friction with their hosts on Wednesday: they received FIFA approval to relocate their training base after concluding their originally assigned fields at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles failed to meet the team’s basic preparation standards, per an official statement from the Royal Belgian Football Association.
Heading into Friday’s match, Belgium enters as the clear underdog against a dominant Spanish side. That underdog status suits the Red Devils just fine, as their best performances of the tournament have come when the odds were stacked against them — most notably their stunning 3-2 comeback win over Senegal, where they fought back from a 2-0 first-half deficit to claim victory.
When asked about matching up against the Spanish powerhouse, Courtois immediately drew a parallel to Belgium’s iconic 2-1 upset victory over Brazil at the 2018 Russia World Cup. That win sent the Red Devils to their first World Cup semifinal in 32 years, and proved they can topple tournament favorites when it counts.
“Back in 2018, Brazil were heavy favorites against us, widely regarded as having more individual talent across their squad,” Courtois said. “But right now, I think this group is incredibly strong collectively, and we never stop fighting. The Senegal match showed exactly that: we keep believing until the final whistle, and that’s one of our biggest strengths at a tournament like this. At the World Cup, winning is the only thing that matters. Playing well is a nice bonus, but the priority is picking up a win and staying in the competition — and that’s exactly what we’ve done so far.”
-
Justin Bieber joins Madonna, Shakira and BTS for Fifa World Cup final half-time show
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest edition of the global football tournament in history with 48 participating teams hosted across three North American nations, is gearing up for its landmark final match in New York on July 19, which will feature the tournament’s first ever Super Bowl-style half-time show. Canadian pop superstar Justin Bieber has been confirmed as the latest A-list addition to the star-studded performance lineup, joining already announced headliners Madonna, Shakira, and global K-pop phenomenon BTS.
The 11-minute curated performance, which is organized to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, will also feature additional appearances from Nigerian Afrobeats icon Burna Boy, renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus with special guests Coldplay, and beloved children’s characters from Sesame Street. This half-time set has been personally curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, with the initiative aiming to raise $100 million (£73 million) to support children’s education access across the globe.
For Bieber, this high-profile performance marks another major milestone in his ongoing return to live performance. The 32-year-old singer canceled his Justice World Tour several years ago due to serious health issues, and made his big comeback to large-scale live shows this past spring with a nostalgia-driven set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. During that widely covered performance, Bieber performed many of his early career hits for the cheering crowd, leaning into a fan-favorite format that saw him sing along to retro YouTube versions of tracks like *Baby*, *Never Say Never*, *One Time*, and *Beauty and the Beat*.
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber said in a statement confirming his participation.
Shakira and Burna Boy, who both performed at opening ceremonies across the tournament’s host countries earlier this month, will return to the stage for this closing half-time show. The pair’s collaborative World Cup track *Dai Dai* has topped global music charts since the tournament kicked off on June 11, and has become a staple anthem played at matches throughout the competition.
As the tournament enters its late knockout stage, all three host nations — Mexico, Canada, and the United States — have already been eliminated from contention, leaving just eight teams to compete in the upcoming quarter-final matches. The knockout round action resumes Thursday with France facing off against Morocco in Boston. On Friday, Spain will take on Belgium in Los Angeles, while back-to-back quarter-final matches will take place Saturday: Norway faces England in Miami, and defending champion Argentina meets Switzerland in Kansas City.
Off the pitch, the individual Golden Boot race remains one of the tournament’s biggest storylines. Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi, who has already broken multiple records throughout the 2026 competition, currently leads the race with eight tournament goals. Trailing closely behind Messi are France’s Kylian Mbappé and Norway’s Erling Haaland, both of whom have netted seven goals, while England’s Harry Kane sits in fourth place with six goals.
-
Egyptian Football Association ‘cannot remain silent’ about officiating in loss to Argentina
ATLANTA — The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has broken its silence to publicly denounce what it calls unjust, biased refereeing decisions that directly led to its 2-3 round-of-16 defeat against Argentina at a men’s World Cup, a match that already goes down as one of the most stunning comebacks in tournament history.
The result shocked football fans across the globe: Egypt held a solid 2-0 lead for much of the second half, before Argentina’s side led by Lionel Messi struck three unanswered goals in just 13 second-half minutes to seal a dramatic comeback victory. Within hours of the final whistle, Egyptian head coach Hossam Hassan and multiple first-team players had already openly criticized the performance of the match officials, saying they were left stunned by inconsistent calls that altered the game’s trajectory.
In an official statement released Wednesday, the EFA emphasized that protecting the national team’s legitimate rights is a non-negotiable core responsibility, not an issue that can be sidelined or downplayed. “It is a responsibility that we carry with full conviction and determination,” the statement read.
The most contentious call came in the 58th minute, when Egypt appeared to score a second goal to double its lead. However, a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review overturned the goal, ruling that Egyptian midfielder Marwan Attia had fouled Argentina center-back Lisandro Martínez in the build-up. The EFA argues that the on-field referee misapplied the VAR system during this key sequence, an error that it says ultimately swung the outcome of the match.
“Several key incidents raised serious concerns and left profound questions about the consistency and fairness of decisions that directly influenced the course of the game,” the statement added.
After the overturned goal, Egypt managed to extend its lead to 2-0 in the 67th minute through a finish from Mostafa Ziko, but the momentum completely shifted in the 79th minute when Messi set up Cristian Romero for Argentina’s first goal, kicking off the 13-minute scoring run that secured Argentina’s win. With Argentina scoring the game-winning goal two minutes into stoppage time, coach Hassan made an “X” gesture with his arms to signal what he says is racially biased officiating, telling reporters post-match that his side had been wronged by a global football system that prioritizes protecting Messi and Argentina.
In the chaotic closing minutes of the match, Egypt’s goalkeeping coach Saafan Elsaghir was sent off with a red card, and multiple Egyptian players received yellow cards. The EFA noted in its statement that a number of independent football experts and analysts have backed Egypt’s claims, reinforcing that the world’s biggest football tournament requires strict commitment to officiating integrity, fairness, and transparency.
The statement also gave voice to the widespread frustration shared by Egypt’s players, coaching staff, and millions of supporters across the country and around the globe. “Every player who wears the Egyptian shirt, and every supporter who stands behind the team, deserves fairness, respect, and equal application of the laws of the game,” it concluded.
-
Sam Darcy targets running return as he reveals positive knee injury update
For rising Australian Football League star Sam Darcy of the Western Bulldogs, a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture has done nothing to dim his competitive fire or alter his signature playing style. The 22-year-old superstar, who suffered the devastating knee injury during the club’s round 6 clash against Geelong, has confirmed his rehabilitation is progressing without any unexpected setbacks, and he is on track to begin light running as soon as next month.
Darcy opened up about his recovery journey Wednesday, stepping away from his training regimen to help the AFL and hardware chain Bunnings launch the first-ever National Footy Sausage Sizzle, a community fundraiser that will see more than 260 local footy clubs host barbecues this weekend to raise much-needed funds for grassroots programs. The young forward said he had completed the hardest phase of his recovery, the initial months spent reducing swelling and relearning how to walk comfortably after surgery.
“I saw the surgeon today, and he’s really happy with how everything is progressing,” Darcy told reporters. “Everything is on track. I work closely with the club’s physiotherapy team every day, and we haven’t hit any hiccups so far. The first couple of months were definitely the toughest part — getting the swelling under control, relearning to walk — but now I’m moving around comfortably. I’m doing regular work on the spin bike, swimming laps in the pool, and putting in daily work at the club. The hardest part of this process is behind me.”
From here, Darcy will shift his focus to building strength and gradually reintroducing weight-bearing movement. He is scheduled to begin sessions on the AlterG anti-gravity treadmill at the 16-week post-surgery mark, with full light running set to start in just over a month. The rehab team is taking a conservative approach to ensure the injured knee heals fully and reduces the risk of future complications, a timeline Darcy says he is comfortable with.
Notably, Darcy has a genetic predisposition that put him at higher risk of a serious knee injury over the course of his career. Even with that context, the 2025 Mark of the Year winner — who earned the award for a spectacular acrobatic mark against Melbourne — says he has no plans to rein in his aggressive, instinctive style of play when he returns to the field.
“Not at all — I don’t think I need to change anything,” he asserted. “I just need to focus on building my strength, refining my running mechanics, and making sure everything moves efficiently and smartly. I still want to play with aggression, lean into my strengths, play on instinct, and keep a free mind out on the field. I’m not going to spend every play worrying about getting hurt again.”
Darcy says he draws inspiration from the dozens of AFL and other professional athletes who have returned to peak form after ACL injuries, and he is fully confident he can get back to his best. “I’m confident I can get 100 per cent back to my top level,” he said. “A lot of players have gone through this same injury across AFL and other sports, and that gives me a lot of motivation. I fully believe this whole process is going to go smoothly.”
The young star admitted that sidelining him for the rest of the season has been a difficult adjustment. Ever since his junior playing days, game day has always been the highlight of his week, and sitting on the sidelines has been a frustrating experience. Even so, he is keeping his focus on his recovery and his eventual comeback, with his competitive mindset fully intact.