Archive VAR data reveals Argentina have been harmed by 5 decisions – VAR corrected 3 of them

Spanish refereeing analysis platform Archivo VAR has published data showing that Argentina have been on the wrong end of five key decisions at the 2026 World Cup, with VAR intervening to correct three of those calls. Only one decision has gone in the Albiceleste’s favour.

The figures provide a powerful counter-narrative to the “VARgentina” social media narrative that has gained traction throughout the tournament. According to Archivo VAR’s analysis, in the majority of game-changing moments, Argentina have not been favoured but rather harmed. Without VAR intervention, the South American champions would have been adversely affected in three separate matches.

Argentina vs Egypt: VAR Disallows Goal in Biggest Controversy

The tournament’s most contentious refereeing moment occurred in Argentina’s round-of-16 clash against Egypt. Egyptian striker Mostafa Ziko had scored what would have been a two-goal cushion, but French referee François Letexier, after VAR review, ruled that Egypt had fouled Argentine defender Lisandro Martínez in the build-up—some 100 yards from Argentina’s goal and 17 seconds before the ball hit the net.

The New York Times analysed that the VAR intervention “was a mistake,” noting the distance and time elapsed. Late in the match, Egypt also had a penalty appeal waved away before Argentina completed a 3-2 comeback.

The Egyptian Football Association lodged a formal protest with FIFA, with manager Hossam Hassan claiming his side had been treated “unfairly.”

Argentina vs Switzerland: VAR’s ‘Mistaken Identity’ Rule Sparks Fury

In the quarter-final, VAR again took centre stage. In the 72nd minute, Portuguese referee João Pinheiro initially booked Argentina’s Leandro Paredes for a foul on Swiss striker Breel Embolo. However, VAR review confirmed Paredes had not touched Embolo at all.

Under the new “mistaken identity” rule, VAR allowed the card to be rescinded—and Pinheiro instead showed Embolo a second yellow for simulation, sending the Swiss forward off. At that point, Switzerland had just equalised at 1-1.

Swiss manager Murat Yakin called the rule “unacceptable.” Archivo VAR awarded Pinheiro a 2/10 rating for the performance, deeming it “a disaster.”

Argentina vs Algeria: Messi Escapes Red Card

In the group stage, Argentina’s match against Algeria also stirred controversy. Lionel Messi stamped on the right foot and ankle of Algeria captain Aïssa Mandi in the first half. Algeria called for a red card, but the referee took no action. Messi went on to score a hat-trick as Algeria later lodged their own complaint over the officiating.

The Numbers: Argentina’s VAR Net Benefit Stands at +5

Chilean newspaper AS reported that Argentina lead all teams with five VAR interventions and zero negative outcomes, yielding a net +5 advantage. However, Archivo VAR presents a different picture: in most of those five interventions, the original calls were adverse to Argentina—VAR simply corrected errors, rather than “favouring” them.

As former FIFA referee Christina Winkel put it: “Fan confidence has now completely collapsed.” The refereeing controversies surrounding Argentina have become one of the most divisive storylines of this World Cup. Regardless of whether the VAR decisions were technically correct, the “VARgentina” debate is only set to intensify ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against England.