Egypt Coach Loses Temper Over Israeli Flags After World Cup Loss to Argentina

Egypt's national football team nearly pulled off a major upset at the 2026 World Cup, leading Argentina 2-0 in the round of 16 before the reigning champions staged a dramatic 3-2 comeback led by Lionel Messi, who scored and assisted. After the match, tensions flared around the Egyptian bench when Israeli flags were waved in the stands near the team. Videos circulating on social media showed Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, engaging in verbal confrontations with fans, staff, a photographer, and even Argentine players and coach Lionel Scaloni. The Egyptian goalkeeping coach was also sent off after pushing and shouting at those involved. Hassan was seen signaling the referee with an "X" gesture, used to report racist incidents, prompting referee François Letexier to issue him a yellow card following a discussion.

At the post-match press conference, Hassan harshly criticized the officiating, claiming Egypt was unfairly treated. He stated, "I am going home and will not watch any more World Cup matches," accusing the referees of denying Egypt a penalty and disallowing a goal without clear reasons. Hassan suggested there was pressure from Argentina influencing the result and expressed his initial opposition to appointing the French referee for the game. Regarding his confrontation with the referee, he remarked, "I told him it was unfair. Maybe he has a scar or something to hide. When someone tries to hide something, they often fail."