$1.8 billion bet was behind Argentina's victory over Egypt. What is it?

ALBAWABA - The controversial FIFA World Cup game between Egypt and Argentina still dominates talks on social media amid backlash, with a new theory emerging that a $1.8 billion bet was behind Messi's football team's victory.

Also ReadArgentina-Egypt referee François Letexier closes Instagram account after unfair refereeing backlash

Argentina played and won against Egypt [3-2] on July 7 at Atlanta Stadium (officially known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium), but controversy accused FIFA of corruption over unfair refereeing.

Activists lashed out at French referee Francois Letexier, accusing him of being biased to Argentina and avoiding its errors during the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

During the game, the French referee refused to go to the VAR to check on what was described as a clear error by the Argentina team.

^{Argentina supporters react as they watch a live broadcast of the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt, won 3-2 by Argentina. Photo by AZZAM RIZQULLAH / AFP}

In addition to blatant errors and the insistence on not reviewing some footage that the Egyptian federation believes deserved to award a valid goal and a penalty kick to the Egyptian national team.

After the huge fuss against the French referee, Francois Letexier deleted his Instagram account after receiving thousands of comments over his unfair refereeing during the Argentina football match against Egypt.

$1.8 billion bet was behind Argentina's victory over Egypt. What is it?

An Egyptian activist posted a clip online claiming that Argentina won over a $1.8 billion bet for FIFA, igniting a massive debate about intentional bias in favor of the South American country. 

She said, "Look, you're not gonna believe what I'm about to tell you. In the place that I'm working, a woman just came into the shop to buy something, and she told me that she works for FIFA."

She claimed that the FIFA employee told her there have been many violations this time for it to make money.

"In the last 3 minutes during the Argentina-Egypt World Cup match, there was a bet on Argentina's victory worth $1.8 billion," she noted and continued, "If the Argentina football team wins the game, FIFA will make more money. However, if Egypt wins, then people would make more money than FIFA."

"They had to make them win, so they'll get more money; can you imagine," the Egyptian woman maintained.