Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez has dismissed the controversy surrounding refereeing decisions at the 2026 World Cup, insisting match officials have done an excellent job, as the defending champions prepare to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals in Kansas City on Saturday.
The comments came in response to Egypt’s complaints over the use of VAR during Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 round of 16 victory, in which the South Americans rallied from 2-0 down with just 11 minutes remaining. The Egyptian Football Association raised objections over the disallowing of a Mostafa Zico goal in the 62nd minute that would have doubled their lead, a decision they argued was incorrect. FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina subsequently defended the officials, rejecting allegations of bias and insisting referees operated independently.
Martinez was equally emphatic in his backing of the officials when asked about the controversy at his pre-match press conference. “I think they are doing an excellent job. That’s something for you, the media, who sometimes generate the controversies. We concern ourselves with giving our best on the pitch and nothing more,” he said.
The Manchester United defender then turned his attention to Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland, a side he credited for their merit in reaching the last eight for the first time in 72 years. “As always, what identifies this team is respecting the opponent. If Switzerland are at this stage, it’s because they have a lot of merit. We watched their match against Colombia and they always try to play. They are very strong physically and also in set pieces. I think it will be a great spectacle because both teams try to play,” Martinez said.
Defender Cristian Romero, who scored Argentina’s first goal in the comeback against Egypt, echoed the sentiment, stressing that the holders remain focused primarily on their own performance rather than their opponents. “Regardless of who we face, whatever the opponent’s name or where they are from, we always focus on ourselves and on correcting the mistakes we have,” Romero said.
Argentina are seeking to reach the World Cup semi-finals as they bid to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022.
