FIFA Accused of Orchestrating World Cup 2026 Favoritism Towards Argentina

A recent report from Argentinian outlet Ole has detailed a series of alleged “aids” provided by FIFA to the Argentine national team during the 2026 World Cup, painting a picture of deliberate favoritism. The extensive list of claims suggests that various aspects of the tournament were manipulated to benefit “La Scaloneta.”

The allegations span from the initial draw and group stage arrangements to specific match incidents and even player performances. Ole’s report provides a chronological and thematic breakdown of these supposed interventions, aiming to demonstrate a pattern of preferential treatment for the Argentine squad.

Por que importa

Key Facts

The report details how the draw was allegedly structured to ensure Argentina would face a second-place team rather than a third-place team if they finished first in their group. Further claims suggest that group stage opponents were strategically placed to create a more manageable path for Argentina, including manipulating results that would affect which second-place teams advanced to Argentina’s half of the bracket.

Specific incidents cited include the appointment of an Argentinian referee for Canada’s debut match, an alleged attempt to prevent Canada from winning and thus indirectly affecting Switzerland’s group standing. The report also touches upon the performance of other teams, such as Belgium’s large victory over Tim Payne’s side, which purportedly helped Egypt finish second and move into Argentina’s side of the draw.

Contexto

Perhaps the most sensational claims involve direct requests to players. Ole alleges that Lionel Messi himself was asked to miss a penalty in the opening match to “disguise” the extent of the help Argentina would receive. Similarly, the goalkeeper of Algeria is said to have been promised a special prize to allow Messi to score a hat-trick, something he had not previously achieved in a World Cup.

The report also points to perceived FIFA efforts to disrupt the performance and morale of other national teams, including Uruguay and their coach, Diego Simeone, and influencing the outcomes of matches involving teams like Morocco, Colombia, and Portugal to remove potential challenges for Argentina.

Furthermore, the article suggests that changes to the VAR rule, specifically regarding the review of the entire build-up to a goal, were made with a specific foul on Lisandro Martínez in mind. The report also speculates about threats made to players, such as Campaz, to ensure they did not score late goals that could have altered group standings unfavorably for Argentina.

Even match delays and hydration breaks are presented not as standard procedures but as calculated pauses designed to benefit Messi and the Argentine team. The report culminates with accusations of direct intervention from FIFA officials, including Sepp Blatter and Gianni Infantino, influencing VAR decisions in real-time to avoid red cards for Argentine players.

The article concludes by stating that the evidence of FIFA favoring Argentina is “undeniable,” suggesting a systematic effort to ensure their success in the 2026 World Cup. These allegations, if proven, would raise significant questions about the integrity of the tournament.

Source: Ole – El uno por uno de las “ayudas” de la FIFA a la Argentina – https://www.ole.com.ar/mundial/mundial-2026/fifa-argentina-ayuda-favorece_0_1pntzVHAC4.html