Didier Drogba spoke out passionately after the match between Egypt and Argentina, condemning the use of VAR and certain refereeing decisions that he believes influenced the outcome of the game. The former Ivorian star feels that African teams are often disadvantaged in major international competitions.
For the former captain of the Elephants, Argentina regularly benefits from favorable circumstances during their World Cup journey. He specifically questions some of the video assistance interventions and believes that several crucial decisions were not made in favor of the Egyptian team.
“I am convinced that Argentina always chooses the easiest path to progress in the World Cup, and VAR clearly demonstrated that tonight,” Didier Drogba stated, believing that video refereeing did not play its role fairly during this match.
The former Chelsea striker also mentioned an offensive move led by Hassan and Mohamed Salah, which could have allowed Egypt to create a dangerous chance. According to him, the referee did not react when he should have, only blowing the whistle after the action ended in a goal.
“Thank God VAR didn’t exist in our era. Look at the beautiful play from Hassan and Salah that created this chance: where was the referee? Did he lose his whistle? He only woke up after the goal,” he exclaimed.
Didier Drogba also commented on the reaction of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who was present during the match. He believes the head of the global body might have been surprised by some of the decisions made during the game.
“You could see the reaction of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. I imagine he would have liked to cancel Zizo’s second goal,” added the former Ivorian international.
Drogba’s statement comes at a time when several observers have highlighted Argentina’s unique journey in this World Cup. Some fans have joked that the South American team has faced several African teams since the start of the tournament.
“The funniest thing is that some fans are already saying Argentina is playing in the Africa Cup of Nations because they have mainly faced African teams since the tournament began. But I think it’s true – and they are enjoying it, because for me, Egypt won tonight,” Drogba stated.
🚨 Didier Drogba Blasts VAR Decision in Egypt vs Argentina:
I finally believe Argentina always find the easiest route to progress in the World Cup, and VAR made it obvious tonight.
Thank God VAR didn’t exist in our era. Look at the beautiful run from Hassan and Salah to create… pic.twitter.com/CXmbPMYWg3
— DREN!! (@City_Dren) July 7, 2026
The former Elephants scorer finally sent a message to African teams, lamenting that they often fail to hold onto their leads in crucial moments. However, he believes the challenges they face are not solely related to their sporting performances.
“Sometimes, I blame African teams for not keeping their advantages until the final whistle, but how can they when the referee and VAR always seem to be against them?” he explained.
He concluded on a strong note: “We, Africans, deserve better.” This statement reignites the debate on refereeing, VAR, and the place of African teams in major international competitions.
