World Cup 2026: Hossam Hassan praises players despite Egypt’s loss to Argentina

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has expressed pride in his players despite their heartbreaking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying the team’s impressive run to the Round of 16 provides a strong platform for the future of Egyptian football.

The Pharaohs’ campaign came to a dramatic end after they squandered a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 to defending champions Argentina at Atlanta Stadium.

Enzo Fernandez struck deep into stoppage time to complete Argentina’s remarkable comeback after Lionel Messi had inspired the fightback.

Speaking after the match, Hassan praised his team’s performances throughout the tournament and said they had represented both Africa and the Arab world with distinction.

“I am very happy with my team’s performance at the World Cup,” Hassan said.

“We have a good team that honored African and Arab football.

“We don’t fear any team. We will build on what we achieved at this World Cup because we have many goals for the future.

“Our ambition is to compete on equal terms with any team in the world.”

The 59-year-old also commended his players, highlighting that most of the squad compete in the Egyptian domestic league but proved they could match some of the world’s biggest stars.

“I thank my players for their performance and I am very satisfied with them. The majority of my players compete in the domestic league, and they proved they can challenge players who perform in the biggest leagues in the world.

“We will earn our place among the world’s top football nations.”

Despite his admiration for his team’s display, Hassan was critical of the officiating, insisting crucial decisions denied Egypt a place in the quarter-finals.

Egypt had a goal ruled out following a VAR review in the 58th minute, while Hassan also argued his side should have been awarded a penalty before Fernandez netted the decisive goal.

“We were the better team and imposed our strategy on our opponents. It wasn’t fair. I don’t know why our goal was disallowed,” he said.

“The World Cup is all about marketing. They wanted Messi to remain in the tournament for as long as possible.”

Hassan concluded by apologizing to Egyptian supporters for the painful defeat, admitting the manner of the elimination was difficult to accept.

“I apologize to the Egyptian people. We wanted to make you happy, but it was out of our hands.

“I’m sorry. I wanted us to go as far as possible, but in the end, we all saw what happened.”