World Cup 2026: Hossam Hassan reveals half-time talk that inspired Egypt’s historic victory over New Zealand

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has revealed the powerful half-time team talk that helped spark the Pharaohs’ dramatic comeback victory over New Zealand and secure the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup win.

The North Africans came from behind to defeat New Zealand 3-1 in Vancouver, a result that moved Egypt to the top of Group G with four points after two matches following their opening 1-1 draw against Belgium. The victory also ended a wait that stretched across Egypt’s previous World Cup appearances in 1934, 1990 and 2018, during which they had failed to win a single match.

Speaking after the match, Hassan revealed he challenged his players at the interval after an underwhelming first-half display.

“At half-time, I told the players that we would not go back out onto the pitch unless we were determined to win and draw confidence from the pride we feel because of this support.”

The message had the desired effect. Egypt returned for the second half with greater intensity and attacking purpose, overturning the deficit through goals from Mostafa Ziko, Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan.

Hassan said the team needed time to develop belief and create its own legacy while respecting the efforts of those who came before them.

“Addressing the Egyptian football community, I want to say that we needed time to build our self-belief, make the most of our strengths and reflect on our qualification journey, while also appreciating the hard work of previous generations who sought to create these opportunities for us.

I wanted this generation to shape its own future and determine its own path. We also want to continue developing both our domestic league and African football as a whole.”

The Egypt coach reserved special praise for captain Mohamed Salah, who scored one goal and provided an assist during the comeback victory. Salah’s strike was his third World Cup goal, making him Egypt’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament.

“Salah worked incredibly hard on the pitch, and people should know that. I may be the first coach to allow him to play in a position that fully reflects his danger, abilities and qualities. We have worked on many aspects of his game, and I am sure we will see much more from him in the future.”

With four points from two matches, Egypt now sit atop Group G and are in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history ahead of their final group-stage clash against Iran.