Egypt's hopes of a remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 upset were dealt a significant blow after a goal from Mostafa Zico was disallowed by VAR during their round of 16 encounter against Argentina in Atlanta.

The Video Assistant Referee intervened to rule out Zico's strike, determining that a foul had been committed on Lisandro Martinez in the build-up to the goal. The decision sparked immediate debate over whether the call was the correct one.

Egypt had been pushing hard against the reigning world champions, and the disallowed goal proved a pivotal moment in the contest. The VAR review ultimately left the Egypt Pharaohs unable to count what would have been a crucial strike in one of the tournament's most high-profile last-16 ties.

The incident in Atlanta added to the growing global conversation around VAR's influence at the 2026 World Cup, with the technology once again placing itself at the centre of a major knockout-stage decision.