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Deadspin | Whitecaps out to continue hot start against lowly Sporting KC Apr 11, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Brian White (24) celebrates a goal against the New York City FC during the second half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Vancouver Whitecaps will try to build on one of the best seven-game starts in MLS history on Friday night when they host a Sporting Kansas City side coming off one of its most concerning performances. Vancouver (6-1-0, 18 points) earned a 2-0 victory over visiting New York City FC last Saturday to improve its impressive early record, aided by an unbalanced schedule that has seen manager Jesper Sorensen’s group play all but one of those first MLS matches at home. Brian White scored his sixth league goal late in the second half after Mathias Laborda scored late in the first. But the real star may have been defensive midfielder Andres Cubas, who made his first appearance in four weeks after recovering from a quadriceps injury. Vancouver has yet to concede this season during the 395 minutes when the Paraguayan international is on the field. “It’s tricky taking him out,” admitted Sorensen. “He’s very strong against the ball, and he’s a player where you know you can be also aggressive because he will cover up space for you, and he also has the aggression himself.” After Friday, the Whitecaps will play one more home match before they face an eight-match road trip that ends in early August, while BC Place is prepared and used as a 2026 World Cup venue. Kansas City (1-5-1, 4 points) has struggled throughout its first season under manager Raphael Wicky, the first full-time replacement appointed after Peter Vermes was fired roughly a third of the way into the 2025 season. But for Wicky, the most troubling effort may have been his club’s last, a 3-0 defeat at the second-tier Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the U.S. Open Cup round of 32 on Wednesday night, in which his side trailed 2-0 just past the half-hour mark. “What I want from the team tomorrow is basically what I’ve had all season from the team, what we didn’t really have in the first 45 minutes in Colorado Springs,” he said. “We didn’t seem to be up for the fight. And that is something which I don’t want to accept. They themselves don’t want to accept. Our fans don’t want to accept.” Dejan Joveljic has scored four times for SKC in MLS play, but his teammates have only three goals combined. Vancouver has won the last four matchups, dating back to the last Sporting Kansas City victory in 2023. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Whitecaps #continue #hot #start #lowly #Sporting

Deadspin | Whitecaps out to continue hot start against lowly Sporting KC
Deadspin | Whitecaps out to continue hot start against lowly Sporting KC Apr 11, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Brian White (24) celebrates a goal against the New York City FC during the second half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Vancouver Whitecaps will try to build on one of the best seven-game starts in MLS history on Friday night when they host a Sporting Kansas City side coming off one of its most concerning performances. Vancouver (6-1-0, 18 points) earned a 2-0 victory over visiting New York City FC last Saturday to improve its impressive early record, aided by an unbalanced schedule that has seen manager Jesper Sorensen’s group play all but one of those first MLS matches at home. Brian White scored his sixth league goal late in the second half after Mathias Laborda scored late in the first. But the real star may have been defensive midfielder Andres Cubas, who made his first appearance in four weeks after recovering from a quadriceps injury. Vancouver has yet to concede this season during the 395 minutes when the Paraguayan international is on the field. “It’s tricky taking him out,” admitted Sorensen. “He’s very strong against the ball, and he’s a player where you know you can be also aggressive because he will cover up space for you, and he also has the aggression himself.” After Friday, the Whitecaps will play one more home match before they face an eight-match road trip that ends in early August, while BC Place is prepared and used as a 2026 World Cup venue. Kansas City (1-5-1, 4 points) has struggled throughout its first season under manager Raphael Wicky, the first full-time replacement appointed after Peter Vermes was fired roughly a third of the way into the 2025 season. But for Wicky, the most troubling effort may have been his club’s last, a 3-0 defeat at the second-tier Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the U.S. Open Cup round of 32 on Wednesday night, in which his side trailed 2-0 just past the half-hour mark. “What I want from the team tomorrow is basically what I’ve had all season from the team, what we didn’t really have in the first 45 minutes in Colorado Springs,” he said. “We didn’t seem to be up for the fight. And that is something which I don’t want to accept. They themselves don’t want to accept. Our fans don’t want to accept.” Dejan Joveljic has scored four times for SKC in MLS play, but his teammates have only three goals combined. Vancouver has won the last four matchups, dating back to the last Sporting Kansas City victory in 2023. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Whitecaps #continue #hot #start #lowly #SportingApr 11, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Brian White (24) celebrates a goal against the New York City FC during the second half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Vancouver Whitecaps will try to build on one of the best seven-game starts in MLS history on Friday night when they host a Sporting Kansas City side coming off one of its most concerning performances.

Vancouver (6-1-0, 18 points) earned a 2-0 victory over visiting New York City FC last Saturday to improve its impressive early record, aided by an unbalanced schedule that has seen manager Jesper Sorensen’s group play all but one of those first MLS matches at home.

Brian White scored his sixth league goal late in the second half after Mathias Laborda scored late in the first.

But the real star may have been defensive midfielder Andres Cubas, who made his first appearance in four weeks after recovering from a quadriceps injury.

Vancouver has yet to concede this season during the 395 minutes when the Paraguayan international is on the field.

“It’s tricky taking him out,” admitted Sorensen. “He’s very strong against the ball, and he’s a player where you know you can be also aggressive because he will cover up space for you, and he also has the aggression himself.”


After Friday, the Whitecaps will play one more home match before they face an eight-match road trip that ends in early August, while BC Place is prepared and used as a 2026 World Cup venue.

Kansas City (1-5-1, 4 points) has struggled throughout its first season under manager Raphael Wicky, the first full-time replacement appointed after Peter Vermes was fired roughly a third of the way into the 2025 season.

But for Wicky, the most troubling effort may have been his club’s last, a 3-0 defeat at the second-tier Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the U.S. Open Cup round of 32 on Wednesday night, in which his side trailed 2-0 just past the half-hour mark.

“What I want from the team tomorrow is basically what I’ve had all season from the team, what we didn’t really have in the first 45 minutes in Colorado Springs,” he said. “We didn’t seem to be up for the fight. And that is something which I don’t want to accept. They themselves don’t want to accept. Our fans don’t want to accept.”

Dejan Joveljic has scored four times for SKC in MLS play, but his teammates have only three goals combined.

Vancouver has won the last four matchups, dating back to the last Sporting Kansas City victory in 2023.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Whitecaps #continue #hot #start #lowly #Sporting

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Apr 11, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Brian White (24) celebrates a goal against the New York City FC during the second half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Vancouver Whitecaps will try to build on one of the best seven-game starts in MLS history on Friday night when they host a Sporting Kansas City side coming off one of its most concerning performances.

Vancouver (6-1-0, 18 points) earned a 2-0 victory over visiting New York City FC last Saturday to improve its impressive early record, aided by an unbalanced schedule that has seen manager Jesper Sorensen’s group play all but one of those first MLS matches at home.

Brian White scored his sixth league goal late in the second half after Mathias Laborda scored late in the first.

But the real star may have been defensive midfielder Andres Cubas, who made his first appearance in four weeks after recovering from a quadriceps injury.

Vancouver has yet to concede this season during the 395 minutes when the Paraguayan international is on the field.

“It’s tricky taking him out,” admitted Sorensen. “He’s very strong against the ball, and he’s a player where you know you can be also aggressive because he will cover up space for you, and he also has the aggression himself.”

After Friday, the Whitecaps will play one more home match before they face an eight-match road trip that ends in early August, while BC Place is prepared and used as a 2026 World Cup venue.

Kansas City (1-5-1, 4 points) has struggled throughout its first season under manager Raphael Wicky, the first full-time replacement appointed after Peter Vermes was fired roughly a third of the way into the 2025 season.

But for Wicky, the most troubling effort may have been his club’s last, a 3-0 defeat at the second-tier Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the U.S. Open Cup round of 32 on Wednesday night, in which his side trailed 2-0 just past the half-hour mark.

“What I want from the team tomorrow is basically what I’ve had all season from the team, what we didn’t really have in the first 45 minutes in Colorado Springs,” he said. “We didn’t seem to be up for the fight. And that is something which I don’t want to accept. They themselves don’t want to accept. Our fans don’t want to accept.”

Dejan Joveljic has scored four times for SKC in MLS play, but his teammates have only three goals combined.

Vancouver has won the last four matchups, dating back to the last Sporting Kansas City victory in 2023.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Whitecaps #continue #hot #start #lowly #Sporting

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Deadspin | Nationals’ Foster Griffin strives to stay in top form vs. Astros Jun 27, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin (22) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images Washington Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin ranks among the National League leaders in several pitching categories, including wins, ERA and batting average against. He is not, however, an NL All-Star. Griffin (9-2, 2.87 ERA) will have one more chance to make a case as a potential late replacement when the Nationals conclude their three-game series against the visiting Houston Astros on Wednesday night. The 30-year-old Griffin has been Washington’s ace during the team’s climb into wild-card contention. He is 3-0 with a 1.24 ERA over his past six starts, with Washington going 5-1 in those games and 14-4 in his 18 starts overall. And opponents are batting only .210 against him this season. Last time out, Griffin allowed a run on four hits in five innings of a 9-5 win Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 100-degree weather at Nationals Park. He threw 83 pitches after reaching at least 100 in each of his past four starts. “That was a lot of sweat, trying to stay hydrated, trying to keep my hands dry to grip the ball,” Griffin said. “All the elements, the other team has to do the same thing, so have to grind through.” He has yet to face the Astros in his career. Houston will counter with right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (7-4, 3.81 ERA) on Wednesday. Arrighetti dropped his third straight start on June 26, allowing eight runs on five hits and five walks in three innings in an 8-0 loss to Detroit. He turned it around last Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, giving up one run on two hits over six innings in a no-decision as Houston lost 3-1. “I just thought he was way more aggressive in the zone,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “He was not running away from contact. … There was better tempo, better command.” Arrighetti, 26, will make his first career appearance against Washington. The Astros evened the three-game series with a 6-3 win on Tuesday. Jose Altuve went deep for the second straight game, providing Houston’s only extra-base hit to go with five singles. The Astros benefited greatly from seven walks and Christian Walker getting hit by pitches on two occasions. “I don’t know if it was pitching scared,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said when asked about the walks. “That’s what it felt like. … If we’re gonna go down, we gotta go down attacking. I’ve said that from the beginning of the year. I was just surprised to see that.” Houston’s Nick Allen produced his first three-RBI game of the season and stole a base, and Christian Vazquez drove in two runs after going 14 games without an RBI. Josh Hader struck out Dylan Crews with the bases loaded for the final out. For Washington, James Wood hit his MLB-leading eighth leadoff home run of the season. He is just one shy of tying Alfonso Soriano for the Nationals’ single-season record. Jose Tena hit his second pinch-hit home run of the season in the ninth and is batting .400 (8-for-20) as a pinch hitter in 2026. Luis Garcia Jr. has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games and is batting .425 with four doubles, six homers, nine runs and 16 RBIs during that span. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nationals #Foster #Griffin #strives #stay #top #form #AstrosJun 27, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin (22) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

Washington Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin ranks among the National League leaders in several pitching categories, including wins, ERA and batting average against.

He is not, however, an NL All-Star.

Griffin (9-2, 2.87 ERA) will have one more chance to make a case as a potential late replacement when the Nationals conclude their three-game series against the visiting Houston Astros on Wednesday night.

The 30-year-old Griffin has been Washington’s ace during the team’s climb into wild-card contention. He is 3-0 with a 1.24 ERA over his past six starts, with Washington going 5-1 in those games and 14-4 in his 18 starts overall. And opponents are batting only .210 against him this season.

Last time out, Griffin allowed a run on four hits in five innings of a 9-5 win Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 100-degree weather at Nationals Park. He threw 83 pitches after reaching at least 100 in each of his past four starts.

“That was a lot of sweat, trying to stay hydrated, trying to keep my hands dry to grip the ball,” Griffin said. “All the elements, the other team has to do the same thing, so have to grind through.”

He has yet to face the Astros in his career.

Houston will counter with right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (7-4, 3.81 ERA) on Wednesday.

Arrighetti dropped his third straight start on June 26, allowing eight runs on five hits and five walks in three innings in an 8-0 loss to Detroit. He turned it around last Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, giving up one run on two hits over six innings in a no-decision as Houston lost 3-1.


“I just thought he was way more aggressive in the zone,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “He was not running away from contact. … There was better tempo, better command.”

Arrighetti, 26, will make his first career appearance against Washington.

The Astros evened the three-game series with a 6-3 win on Tuesday. Jose Altuve went deep for the second straight game, providing Houston’s only extra-base hit to go with five singles. The Astros benefited greatly from seven walks and Christian Walker getting hit by pitches on two occasions.

“I don’t know if it was pitching scared,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said when asked about the walks. “That’s what it felt like. … If we’re gonna go down, we gotta go down attacking. I’ve said that from the beginning of the year. I was just surprised to see that.”

Houston’s Nick Allen produced his first three-RBI game of the season and stole a base, and Christian Vazquez drove in two runs after going 14 games without an RBI.

Josh Hader struck out Dylan Crews with the bases loaded for the final out.

For Washington, James Wood hit his MLB-leading eighth leadoff home run of the season. He is just one shy of tying Alfonso Soriano for the Nationals’ single-season record.

Jose Tena hit his second pinch-hit home run of the season in the ninth and is batting .400 (8-for-20) as a pinch hitter in 2026.

Luis Garcia Jr. has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games and is batting .425 with four doubles, six homers, nine runs and 16 RBIs during that span.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nationals #Foster #Griffin #strives #stay #top #form #Astros">Deadspin | Nationals’ Foster Griffin strives to stay in top form vs. Astros Jun 27, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin (22) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images Washington Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin ranks among the National League leaders in several pitching categories, including wins, ERA and batting average against. He is not, however, an NL All-Star. Griffin (9-2, 2.87 ERA) will have one more chance to make a case as a potential late replacement when the Nationals conclude their three-game series against the visiting Houston Astros on Wednesday night. The 30-year-old Griffin has been Washington’s ace during the team’s climb into wild-card contention. He is 3-0 with a 1.24 ERA over his past six starts, with Washington going 5-1 in those games and 14-4 in his 18 starts overall. And opponents are batting only .210 against him this season. Last time out, Griffin allowed a run on four hits in five innings of a 9-5 win Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 100-degree weather at Nationals Park. He threw 83 pitches after reaching at least 100 in each of his past four starts. “That was a lot of sweat, trying to stay hydrated, trying to keep my hands dry to grip the ball,” Griffin said. “All the elements, the other team has to do the same thing, so have to grind through.” He has yet to face the Astros in his career. Houston will counter with right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (7-4, 3.81 ERA) on Wednesday. Arrighetti dropped his third straight start on June 26, allowing eight runs on five hits and five walks in three innings in an 8-0 loss to Detroit. He turned it around last Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, giving up one run on two hits over six innings in a no-decision as Houston lost 3-1. “I just thought he was way more aggressive in the zone,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “He was not running away from contact. … There was better tempo, better command.” Arrighetti, 26, will make his first career appearance against Washington. The Astros evened the three-game series with a 6-3 win on Tuesday. Jose Altuve went deep for the second straight game, providing Houston’s only extra-base hit to go with five singles. The Astros benefited greatly from seven walks and Christian Walker getting hit by pitches on two occasions. “I don’t know if it was pitching scared,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said when asked about the walks. “That’s what it felt like. … If we’re gonna go down, we gotta go down attacking. I’ve said that from the beginning of the year. I was just surprised to see that.” Houston’s Nick Allen produced his first three-RBI game of the season and stole a base, and Christian Vazquez drove in two runs after going 14 games without an RBI. Josh Hader struck out Dylan Crews with the bases loaded for the final out. For Washington, James Wood hit his MLB-leading eighth leadoff home run of the season. He is just one shy of tying Alfonso Soriano for the Nationals’ single-season record. Jose Tena hit his second pinch-hit home run of the season in the ninth and is batting .400 (8-for-20) as a pinch hitter in 2026. Luis Garcia Jr. has hit safely in nine of his last 10 games and is batting .425 with four doubles, six homers, nine runs and 16 RBIs during that span. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nationals #Foster #Griffin #strives #stay #top #form #Astros

This is Nelly Korda’s first chance at history.

To be clear, this week marks Nelly’s first opportunity to make history since last making some. When you are Nelly Korda this kind of things happens all of the time.

CHASKA, MINNESOTA - JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

CHASKA, MINNESOTA – JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The LPGA Tour recognizes a Career Grand Slam as having won four different majors, but obviously there are five with the Evian becoming one back in 2013. This week marks that tournament and therefore opportunity for Nelly, and if she is unable to do it now she has a chance still at the Women’s British Open before this season’s majors are complete.

Nelly’s best finish at the Evian to date is T8 four years ago. She has the longest active streak of making the cut at major championships with 10, and she has only missed one at the Evian specifically once in 9 total starts.

Beyond the Career Grand Slam, a win this week would give Nelly the necessary points for inclusion in the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she would become the first player to be inducted since Lydia Ko in 2024. Needless to say there is a lot to play for.

For what it’s worth the folks at FanDuel have Nelly as the betting favorite at +440 with the next-closest challenger being Jeeno Thitikul at +1000.

It is going to be quite the week.

#Nelly #Korda #accomplish #Career #Grand #Slam #week">Nelly Korda can accomplish the Career Grand Slam this week This is Nelly Korda’s first chance at history.To be clear, this week marks Nelly’s first opportunity to make history since last making some. When you are Nelly Korda this kind of things happens all of the time.CHASKA, MINNESOTA – JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images) Getty ImagesThe LPGA Tour recognizes a Career Grand Slam as having won four different majors, but obviously there are five with the Evian becoming one back in 2013. This week marks that tournament and therefore opportunity for Nelly, and if she is unable to do it now she has a chance still at the Women’s British Open before this season’s majors are complete.Nelly’s best finish at the Evian to date is T8 four years ago. She has the longest active streak of making the cut at major championships with 10, and she has only missed one at the Evian specifically once in 9 total starts.Beyond the Career Grand Slam, a win this week would give Nelly the necessary points for inclusion in the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she would become the first player to be inducted since Lydia Ko in 2024. Needless to say there is a lot to play for.For what it’s worth the folks at FanDuel have Nelly as the betting favorite at +440 with the next-closest challenger being Jeeno Thitikul at +1000.It is going to be quite the week. #Nelly #Korda #accomplish #Career #Grand #Slam #week

CHASKA, MINNESOTA - JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

CHASKA, MINNESOTA – JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The LPGA Tour recognizes a Career Grand Slam as having won four different majors, but obviously there are five with the Evian becoming one back in 2013. This week marks that tournament and therefore opportunity for Nelly, and if she is unable to do it now she has a chance still at the Women’s British Open before this season’s majors are complete.

Nelly’s best finish at the Evian to date is T8 four years ago. She has the longest active streak of making the cut at major championships with 10, and she has only missed one at the Evian specifically once in 9 total starts.

Beyond the Career Grand Slam, a win this week would give Nelly the necessary points for inclusion in the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she would become the first player to be inducted since Lydia Ko in 2024. Needless to say there is a lot to play for.

For what it’s worth the folks at FanDuel have Nelly as the betting favorite at +440 with the next-closest challenger being Jeeno Thitikul at +1000.

It is going to be quite the week.

#Nelly #Korda #accomplish #Career #Grand #Slam #week">Nelly Korda can accomplish the Career Grand Slam this week

This is Nelly Korda’s first chance at history.

To be clear, this week marks Nelly’s first opportunity to make history since last making some. When you are Nelly Korda this kind of things happens all of the time.

CHASKA, MINNESOTA - JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

CHASKA, MINNESOTA – JUNE 28: Nelly Korda of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the final round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2026 at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 28, 2026 in Chaska, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The LPGA Tour recognizes a Career Grand Slam as having won four different majors, but obviously there are five with the Evian becoming one back in 2013. This week marks that tournament and therefore opportunity for Nelly, and if she is unable to do it now she has a chance still at the Women’s British Open before this season’s majors are complete.

Nelly’s best finish at the Evian to date is T8 four years ago. She has the longest active streak of making the cut at major championships with 10, and she has only missed one at the Evian specifically once in 9 total starts.

Beyond the Career Grand Slam, a win this week would give Nelly the necessary points for inclusion in the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she would become the first player to be inducted since Lydia Ko in 2024. Needless to say there is a lot to play for.

For what it’s worth the folks at FanDuel have Nelly as the betting favorite at +440 with the next-closest challenger being Jeeno Thitikul at +1000.

It is going to be quite the week.

#Nelly #Korda #accomplish #Career #Grand #Slam #week

The Egyptian football federation on Wednesday said it had asked for the officiating team who handled the Pharoahs loss 3-2 last-16 to Argentina to be thrown out of the World Cup.

“Hany Aburida, President of the Egyptian Football Federation, filed a complaint with FIFA, demanding an investigation into the French referee Francois Letexier… after the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards, which caused the Egypt team to lose the match and leave the World Cup,” said a statement from the federation.

On Tuesday evening, Letexes ruled out a Mostafa Ziko goal ruled out when Egypt was leading 1-0 after VAR intervened to spot a foul on Lisandro Martinez much earlier in the move.

A few minutes later, Ziko did put Egyptian 2-0 up and on the brink of a place in the last eight for the first time but there was further controversy in added time, after Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi had brought the champion level.

In the build-up to Argentina’s winner scored by Enzo Fernandez, Egypt believes it should have instead been awarded a penalty for a pull by Alexis Mac Allister on Hamdy Fathy.

“Aburida demanded the investigation of the entire team of referees, including the video technology referees, because of the blatant errors and insisting on not reviewing some of the footage that we believe are in favour of the Egyptian national team, and we see in it the Pharaohs’ right to a correct goal and a penalty,” said the Egyptian statement.

It added that the president had also “demanded the exclusion of the referee and the entire crew from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes and proving the crime of discrimination against the Egyptian national team”.

The statement echoed remarks by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan immediately after the game.

“I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice,” Hassan told journalists.

“We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There has not been respect or fair play.”

Hassan told BeIN: “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.

“In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champions received support at every level.”

Published on Jul 08, 2026

#Egypt #files #complaint #referee #controversial #FIFA #World #Cup #exit">Egypt files complaint against referee after controversial FIFA World Cup 2026 exit The Egyptian football federation on Wednesday said it had asked for the officiating team who handled the Pharoahs loss 3-2 last-16 to Argentina to be thrown out of the World Cup.“Hany Aburida, President of the Egyptian Football Federation, filed a complaint with FIFA, demanding an investigation into the French referee Francois Letexier… after the serious refereeing mistakes committed by the team of referees and double standards, which caused the Egypt team to lose the match and leave the World Cup,” said a statement from the federation.On Tuesday evening, Letexes ruled out a Mostafa Ziko goal ruled out when Egypt was leading 1-0 after VAR intervened to spot a foul on Lisandro Martinez much earlier in the move.A few minutes later, Ziko did put Egyptian 2-0 up and on the brink of a place in the last eight for the first time but there was further controversy in added time, after Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi had brought the champion level.In the build-up to Argentina’s winner scored by Enzo Fernandez, Egypt believes it should have instead been awarded a penalty for a pull by Alexis Mac Allister on Hamdy Fathy.“Aburida demanded the investigation of the entire team of referees, including the video technology referees, because of the blatant errors and insisting on not reviewing some of the footage that we believe are in favour of the Egyptian national team, and we see in it the Pharaohs’ right to a correct goal and a penalty,” said the Egyptian statement.It added that the president had also “demanded the exclusion of the referee and the entire crew from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes and proving the crime of discrimination against the Egyptian national team”.The statement echoed remarks by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan immediately after the game.“I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice,” Hassan told journalists.“We haven’t seen respect or fair play. There has not been respect or fair play.”Hassan told BeIN: “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champions in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running.“In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champions received support at every level.”Published on Jul 08, 2026 #Egypt #files #complaint #referee #controversial #FIFA #World #Cup #exit

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