Abu Rida: Egypt players showed no fear before Argentina World Cup tie

Hany Abu Rida has praised Egypt’s players for the confidence they showed during their historic run at the 2026 World Cup.

The president of the Egyptian Football Association was speaking at a meeting involving the association, Egypt’s national-team coaches and players from the country’s various age-group sides.

Abu Rida said he spoke to the players before each of their matches in the tournament and insisted none of them appeared intimidated, including ahead of their last-16 meeting with Argentina.

“Before every match at the World Cup, I would speak to the players, and I swear I did not see fear in the eyes of any Egypt player, even before the match against Argentina,” he said.

He added: “All the players were very confident in themselves. They said to me: ‘We are going out as 11 against 11.’”

Egypt were beaten 3-2 by Argentina in the last 16 after producing a strong performance. The Pharaohs moved 2-0 ahead through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, but Argentina fought back with goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez.

The defeat nevertheless came after Egypt had reached the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Egypt finished runners-up in a group containing Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, with the European representatives topping the section.

The national team is managed by a domestic coaching staff led by Hossam Hassan. His contract was extended until 2030 after Egypt’s historic achievement at the World Cup.