New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has waded into football's biggest controversy, declaring Egypt were "robbed" during their World Cup exit to Argentina.

The remark came during what was billed as a routine briefing on the city's bus service improvements on Wednesday, catching reporters off guard.

Mamdani was outlining how faster routes could return commuters up to 24 hours over six months when he pivoted unexpectedly.

He said the extra time saved would let commuters do several things, listing family breakfasts and children's Little League games among them.

Without pause, Mamdani added that the free time would also mean “agreeing with your friends that Egypt were robbed yesterday.”

Later, when asked by a reporter what he would personally do with the six minutes saved, Mamdani said he would “probably just watch the replays of Egypt getting robbed again and again yesterday.”

His comments have added fuel to a row already raging since Tuesday's Round of 16 tie in Atlanta, which Argentina won 3-2.

Egypt led through Mostafa Zico's strike, only for VAR to rule out the goal following a foul more than 20 seconds earlier at the opposite end of the pitch.

Argentina fought back to win in stoppage time, with Egypt further aggrieved after no penalty was given for a challenge on their captain moments before the winner.

Zico called the officiating unfair, while coach Hossam Hassan branded the result "clearly rigged" in his post-match comments.

The Egyptian Football Association has since lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over the officiating crew led by Francois Letexier.