Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan launched a scathing attack on FIFA after his side's heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, alleging that the defending champions benefited from support designed to keep Lionel Messi in the tournament.
Egypt appeared on course for one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history after racing into a 2-0 lead and maintaining control for much of the contest. However, Argentina staged a dramatic late turnaround as Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez found the net within a 13-minute spell to book a place in the quarter-finals.
The dramatic collapse left the Egyptian camp incensed, with Hassan insisting his team had been superior to the reigning world champions and suggesting the result was shaped by influences beyond what unfolded on the field.
"We looked better than the reigning champions, better in everything, but the result was influenced by internal factors on the pitch and external factors off it," Hassan told reporters after the match.
"Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running. In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champion received support at every level."
Much of Egypt's anger centred on several controversial decisions, the most significant arriving in the 59th minute when Mostafa Ziko had a goal ruled out following a VAR review, a decision Hassan believes altered the course of the match.
The visitors also argued they should have been awarded a penalty after Mohamed Salah appeared to be fouled inside the area. In addition, they claimed Alexis Mac Allister committed a foul in the build-up to Enzo Fernandez's stoppage-time winner, with no VAR intervention.
"There seem to be pressures from the Argentina side on this outcome. We were objecting to the selection of the referee because of the French situation [Argentina beat France in the 2022 World Cup final], but everybody has to suffer at some point, and we suffered," Hassan said.
"We have not seen respect or fair play. A penalty was ruled out, it was not even checked by the VAR, and our second goal was, remarkably, for whatever reason, disallowed. We have all seen the shirt pulled back and not even a VAR check."
"Life is unfair, normal life is unfair, so why is there no fairness in sports?"
"I want to put it in beautiful words and say hard luck, but we have been treated unfairly, and it has been an injustice."
Hassan later reiterated his criticism during an interview with beIN Sports, revealing what he said to the referee after the final whistle and admitting the experience had left him disillusioned with the competition.
"I told the referee that what was happening wasn't fair. It's an undeserved victory for Argentina," Hassan said.
"Once I'm back in my country and at home, I'll never watch the World Cup again, because there's no justice in this competition."
The Egypt coach had already been shown a yellow card during the match after making FIFA's anti-racism gesture while protesting a refereeing decision, underlining the mounting frustration on the touchline as Argentina mounted their comeback.
Hassan's post-match remarks are expected to be examined by FIFA, with the governing body likely to review his comments. The allegations have already triggered widespread debate, and disciplinary action against the Egypt coach cannot be ruled out.
