The World Cup 'rigged' for Argentina? Inside six moments that debunk FIFA bias narrative

A FIFA bias narrative around Argentina’s path to the 2026 World Cup final has been challenged with a statistical look at officiating, including VAR usage and key match moments. The article argues Argentina benefited from favorable decisions and highlights that the team recorded 6.7 VAR overturns per 1,000 fouls, the highest figure in the tournament, while not being penalized by VAR at any point. It also states Argentina had not led in the 90th minute in any of its four knockout games so far. One cited incident occurred in the opening match versus Algeria, when Lionel Messi was not booked after a challenge involving Algeria captain Aissa Mandi’s ankle, with referee Szymon Marciniak showing no card and VAR not intervening. The piece also describes concerns about a “soft” knockout bracket and notes the draw was determined six months earlier.