World Cup 2026: Egypt eye historic knockout spot as Hassan Urges focus against Iran

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has urged his players to remain fully focused as the Pharaohs prepare for a decisive Group G clash against Iran on Saturday, with a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 within touching distance.

The North Africans head into the final group game in Seattle knowing that victory would secure a historic first-ever qualification to the World Cup knockout stage.

Egypt have already made history at the tournament after recording their maiden World Cup win — a stirring 3-1 comeback triumph over New Zealand — and now stand on the brink of another landmark achievement. The outcome of Saturday’s encounter, alongside the simultaneous fixture between Belgium and New Zealand, will also determine who finishes top of Group G.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Hassan acknowledged the quality of the Iranian side but stressed that his team’s ambitions remain high.

“All respect to the Iranian national team, as it is one of the strongest teams in Asia and occupies an advanced position in the world rankings, and we respect all competitors as we did in the previous two matches,” Hassan said.

“We have high ambitions, and our goal is to confirm qualification for the second round, and the players are fully focused on the match.”

The former Egypt striker revealed that despite concerns surrounding Hamdy Fathy and Hossam Abdelmaguid, all 26 members of his squad remain available for selection.

“There are injuries like Hamdy Fathy and Hossam Abdelmaguid, but I have confidence in all the players, and I chose 26 players because they are all at the same level,” he noted.

With a possible knockout campaign looming, Hassan admitted that the technical team is also carefully managing players carrying yellow cards.

“We are also thinking about the yellow cards issue so that we don’t lose influential players if we qualify for the second round, but our first focus is on achieving victory,” he said.

Hassan dismissed suggestions that there are easy opponents at the expanded World Cup, insisting that the global game has evolved significantly.

“Football has changed a lot, and there are no longer weak teams. Even African teams have a large number of professionals in Europe, which makes all matches difficult,” he said.

He attributed Egypt’s encouraging performances to the close collaboration between the technical, administrative and medical teams, coupled with strong discipline and tactical organisation within the squad.

Much of Egypt’s hopes will once again rest on captain Mohamed Salah, who starred in the victory over New Zealand with a goal and an assist while operating in a deeper and more central role.

Salah is now just one goal away from equalling Hassan’s record as Egypt’s all-time leading scorer. However, the coach was quick to emphasise that the team does not rely solely on individual brilliance.

“We do not put everything on one star or two stars and just bet that they will bring it for us,” he said.

Hassan praised Salah’s adaptability and revealed that the Liverpool forward has been given greater tactical freedom at the tournament.

“I think it’s a new version of Mo Salah at the moment. He plays in a new position, he plays very freely in a very creative way,” Hassan explained.

“Salah is an intelligent player with great experience. I am presenting Salah in a different way, where he moves freely in more than one position but within an organised tactical framework, and I believe that this will also benefit him with his new club in the future.”

Saturday’s fixture has also attracted attention off the field after local organisers designated the match as Seattle’s “Pride Match”. The decision reportedly prompted objections from both the Egyptian and Iranian football associations, given that homosexuality is criminalised in both countries.

When asked about the matter, Hassan declined to comment in detail, leaving such issues to the relevant authorities.

“FIFA is, of course, taking care of the organisational side. We have our Egyptian FA who handles and manages those things,” he said.

“We are concerned with football on the pitch. We respect, once again, fair play as rules for everyone to abide by, and any guidelines set forth by FIFA.”

The Egypt coach similarly distanced himself from speculation that the team could withdraw from the match due to the controversy.

“Our focus as a technical staff and players is only on the field, while organisational and administrative matters are the responsibility of the Egyptian Football Association and FIFA,” he stated.

“We are only looking at the match and how to achieve a positive result through our performance on the field.”

Hassan also refrained from responding directly to comments made by Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei regarding travel restrictions affecting his team, instead emphasising the importance of equal treatment for all competing nations.

“Each and every national team has the right to take part in the tournament and is entitled to equal treatment, and FIFA makes a huge effort to give everyone equal chances to guarantee respect and fair play,” he said.

Egypt currently top Group G following their opening draw against Belgium and their historic victory over New Zealand. Another positive result against Iran would see the Pharaohs reach uncharted territory and book their place in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in history.