The match between the Argentine team and Egypt for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup was not only marked by the comeback of the Lionel Scaloni when he was losing by two points on the scoreboard, but also because of a scene that generated surprise among the spectators. In the final minutes of the match, the egyptian coach Hossam Hassan He crossed his arms forming a cross while complaining to the French referee François Letexier.

The image quickly went viral on social networks and many users wondered what this strange gesture meant. Far from being a common celebration or protest, The signal is part of the official FIFA protocol to report possible episodes of racism during a match.

Crossing your arms in the shape of a cross or cross is the gesture established by FIFA to alert about an alleged incident of discrimination or racism that has occurred on the field of play. The signal can be made by players, members of the coaching staff or even by referees when they consider that an event of this nature has occurred and wish to activate the protocol provided for these cases.

According to information from the Egyptian delegation, Hossam Hassan understood that during the celebration of the third Argentine goal there was an episode of a racist nature and he sought to have the referee activate the FIFA anti-discrimination protocol.

While making the gesture with his arms crossed, the coach insisted that François Letexier intervene. However, the French judge decided not to stop the meeting or start the requested procedure. Given the continuation of the protests, the referee admonished the coach with a yellow card.

How does the anti-racist protocol work?

So far, no conclusive evidence or images have emerged that confirm the existence of racist expressions by the Argentine soccer players during the match against Egypt.