Conspiracy Theories Spread Online Claiming Israeli Support Secured Argentina's World Cup Win

Two days after Argentina's dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, conspiracy theories have surged online accusing Israel of influencing the outcome. Egyptian fans and social media users alleged bias by FIFA President Gianni Infantino favoring Argentina and Lionel Messi. A viral video from Argentine President Javier Milei's visit to Israel showed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar seemingly urging Milei to bring the World Cup trophy to Argentina. The video uploader falsely claimed Milei is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cousin and that Israel guaranteed Argentina's win.

Additional posts fueled the conspiracy, including one showing an Argentine fan waving an Israeli flag at Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan, who reacted angrily. Another video depicted three Israeli soldiers celebrating an Argentine goal, with captions accusing Argentina of representing Zionism and praising Israel's military and Netanyahu.

Egyptian and Arab social media users also targeted French referee François Letexier, who officiated the match, falsely claiming he is Jewish to suggest bias. These claims stemmed from controversial decisions, such as disallowing an Egyptian goal for a foul while allowing Argentina's third goal despite alleged fouls. Former referee and FIFA referees committee chairman Pierluigi Collina defended Letexier's calls as correct.

The conspiracy theories have spread widely despite no evidence, reflecting regional tensions and frustrations over the match's outcome. FIFA and officials have stood by the referee's decisions, and no formal complaints have altered the match result. The World Cup continues with Argentina advancing to the quarterfinals.