Egypt coach makes appeal for Palestine before duel against Argentina

The coach of the Egyptian national team, Hossam Hassan, made an appeal in defense of the Palestinian population this Monday (6), the eve of the clash against Argentina in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. During a press conference, the coach asked athletes and press professionals to use the visibility of the tournament to defend the Palestinians' right to life.

"Before any religion or nationality, I am a human being. People are dying. I ask all athletes and media professionals to take advantage of this World Cup to send a message: let the Palestinian people live. They want nothing more than to live", said Hassan, to the applause of those present.

The coach had already shown support for Palestine after Egypt's victory over Australia, when he entered the field carrying a Palestinian flag.

In addition to his political positioning, Hassan planned the duel against Argentina and stated that Egypt respects the current world champion, but does not intend to give up its style of play.

"We respect Argentina's strengths, but we have our own personality and we need to impose it. They are the current world champions and deserve all the respect, but we also have our qualities and we will prepare tactically to face them", he said.

Hassan also commented on FIFA's decision to postpone the automatic suspension of striker Folarin Balogun, from the United States, following a request from US President Donald Trump to the organization's president, Gianni Infantino.

Although he stated that he respected FIFA's decision, the coach recalled that Egypt was unsuccessful in appealing the suspension of midfielder Mohanad Lasheen, who was absent from the team in the previous phase.

"We also filed an appeal, but it was not accepted. We respect FIFA's decisions and believe that everything was done in good faith", he concluded.

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Source: CNN