Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has questioned the fairness of his side’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, suggesting the tournament may favour the defending champions and Lionel Messi.
The Pharaohs looked on course for a famous victory after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko handed them a two-goal advantage before Argentina mounted a remarkable comeback in the final 11 minutes through Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Hassan insisted Egypt were the better team and deserved more from the contest.
“We were the better side, but football is not always fair. Maybe they want the world champions and Messi to continue in the World Cup for marketing purposes,” Hassan said after the match.
The former Egypt international also questioned FIFA’s commitment to fair play, claiming his side did not receive the respect they deserved during the encounter.
“The matter goes beyond the result; there was no respect and no fair play. FIFA raises the slogan of ‘fair play,’ but we do not see it on the pitch,” he added.
The defeat ended Egypt’s World Cup campaign despite an impressive display against the reigning champions, while Argentina progressed to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Switzerland and Colombia clash.
