Argentina’s Football Federation Expresses Concern Over François Letexier’s Appointment for 2026 World Cup Match Against Egypt
Argentina’s football federation has raised concerns following the appointment of French referee François Letexier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Egypt, according to multiple reports. The decision has sparked speculation about potential challenges for the South American team in the upcoming match, though no official statements from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) have been confirmed.
What Happened? Letexier’s Appointment and Argentina’s Response
French referee François Letexier was assigned to oversee Argentina’s match against Egypt on July 7, 2026, as reported by multiple media outlets.

The AFA has not issued a public statement on the appointment, but sources close to the team indicate that the decision has caused “significant concern” within the camp, according to Foot Mercato. A separate report by SO FOOT.com noted that Argentina’s training session was “canceled abruptly” amid the controversy, though the reason for the cancellation remains unconfirmed.
The Fédération Française de Football (FFF) has not provided further details on the rationale behind his appointment.
Why Is Argentina Concerned About Letexier’s Appointment?
The primary source of unease stems from Letexier’s appointment.
Argentina’s coach has not commented publicly on the referee selection, but internal sources suggest that the coaching staff is preparing contingency plans. “The team is analyzing every possible scenario,” a spokesperson said, though the statement was not attributed to an official. “We trust in our players’ ability to adapt.”
The AFA’s concerns are not unprecedented. However, no similar action has been reported in response to Letexier’s appointment.
What Does This Mean for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?
The match against Egypt is a fixture on July 7. A win on July 7 would solidify Argentina’s position, but the referee’s influence could complicate matters.
Experts suggest that Letexier’s appointment could impact the match’s dynamics. “Referees can shape the narrative of a game,” said former FIFA referee Pierluigi Collina in a recent interview. “If Letexier is strict, it could favor a team that plays more defensively. Argentina will need to manage their tempo carefully.”
What’s Next for Argentina and the World Cup?
The AFA is expected to release an official statement regarding the referee selection. Meanwhile, Argentina’s next match is a friendly against Colombia on June 30, which will serve as a final preparation before the Egypt game. The team’s performance