Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan was furious with the referees after one of the wildest matches of the World Cup. He was convinced that his side had been denied a famous result and openly suggested that the defending champions had received favorable treatment.
Egypt, he said, had taken on Argentina despite coming together with much more modest means.
“We challenged the most expensive players, and we were better than the defending champions in everything,” Hassan said, before accusing Argentina of needing “pressure from one side on the referee” to secure the result.
Egyptian Mostafa Ziko (11) had his first goal disallowed but scored another to give Egypt a 2-0 lead until Argentina started the comeback in the 79th minute. | Photo credit: AP
Egyptian Mostafa Ziko (11) had his first goal disallowed but scored another to give Egypt a 2-0 lead until Argentina started the comeback in the 79th minute. | Photo credit: AP
Egypt had complained beforehand about the appointment of the referee – François Letexier –, he revealed, and by the time he was full-time he was no longer in the mood to hide his anger. He insisted that Egypt should have been awarded a penalty and was equally adamant that what would have been Egypt’s second goal should not have been ruled out.
“We deserved to get this victory, but we leave with pride because there was no fair play and no respect,” he said. «There was no fair play in this match and I am not happy about that. We have suffered injustice. FIFA raises the slogan ‘Fair Play’, but we do not see that on the field. Without the mistakes the result would have been different.»
Hassan confronted Letexier after the match.
“What I said to the referee was: ‘This is unfair. I said maybe he carries a scar or has something to hide. When someone tries to hide something, they often fail to hide it,” Hassan said of the incident. “Anyway, when I’m done, I’m not going to watch another match of this tournament.”
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan argues with referee Francois Letexier, after which he is shown a yellow card. | Photo credit: AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan argues with referee Francois Letexier, after which he is shown a yellow card. | Photo credit: AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser
The frustration was not limited to civil servants. Hassan also attacked FIFA during the afternoon kick-off in Atlanta, arguing that the scheduling did not respect the basic physical demands of the sport. “You don’t play at the age of 12 at that point,” he said. «When are the players going to eat if they play at noon? Those who follow this schedule do not know football.»
But amid the anger, there was also a hint of pride. Hassan said he told his players he was grateful for their efforts and that Egypt “will continue to mature and evolve.” He also extended that pride beyond his own dressing room, saying he was proud of «the Arab world» and Africa.
Published on July 8, 2026
