World Cup 2026: Hossam Hassan faces FIFA Disciplinary Review after cross gesture during Egypt’s exit

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan could face disciplinary action from FIFA after making a cross gesture in response to receiving a yellow card during his side’s dramatic World Cup defeat to Argentina.

FIFA is expected to review the incident before determining whether any further punishment should be imposed on the Egyptian coach, who was visibly frustrated throughout the Round of 16 encounter at Atlanta Stadium.

Hassan’s anger boiled over during the match as Egypt suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat against the defending champions on Tuesday, ending their hopes of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history.

The former Egypt striker was left furious by several decisions during the contest, particularly after his team had a goal ruled out in the first half. Mostafa Zico appeared to have given the Pharaohs the lead, but the effort was overturned following a VAR review that detected a foul on Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez earlier in the move.

Egypt responded strongly after the setback, with Zico eventually finding the back of the net to double their advantage and put the North Africans within touching distance of a historic last-eight appearance.

However, Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to turn the match around. Defender Cristian Romero reduced the deficit before captain Lionel Messi restored parity after earlier missing a penalty that was saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir.

With momentum firmly on their side, Argentina completed the turnaround when Enzo Fernandez struck the decisive goal, sending the world champions into the quarter-finals and leaving Egypt devastated.

Hossam Hassan, who had praised his players for their effort despite the defeat, later claimed his team had been treated unfairly during the match, expressing his frustration over key decisions that he felt influenced the outcome.

The FIFA review into his gesture will now determine whether the Egyptian coach faces any additional sanctions following the dramatic World Cup encounter.