Egypt coach Hossam Hassan uses World Cup press conference to plead for Palestinian rights ahead of Argentina clash
Ahead of Egypt's last-16 match against Argentina, coach Hossam Hassan delivered an impassioned appeal for the Palestinian people, calling the situation in Gaza 'a shame for all of us' and urging the world to let them live.
Emotional plea in Atlanta
On the eve of Egypt's biggest World Cup match in their history, coach Hossam Hassan turned a routine press conference into a platform for the Palestinian cause. Speaking at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, he addressed a question about waving a Palestinian flag after the previous round and launched into a lengthy, passionate appeal.
He described the suffering of civilians in Gaza, where people have no shelter from rain, cold, or scorching sun, and called it a disgrace for the entire world, not just the Arab world.If a person anywhere in the world does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they have lost part of their humanity.
Hassan framed his message through football's global reach.
He urged athletes and journalists everywhere to help deliver that message, and invoked FIFA's own slogans of respect and fair play, demanding the same for those who have nothing. The room applauded.Through football, the world's soft power, I want to send a message: please let the Palestinian people live.
Flag-waving and FIFA's decision
The coach's activism first drew attention on Friday, when Egypt eliminated Australia on penalties in the round of 32 in Dallas. Hassan celebrated by brandishing a Palestinian flag and dedicating the victory to the people of Egypt and Palestine. FIFA investigated the incident but decided against a suspension, noting that the Palestinian Football Association has been a full member since 1998 and that no rule was breached. The governing body's disciplinary process was already under scrutiny after it suspended a red-card ban for a U.S. player, a move praised by President Donald Trump.
Underdogs against Messi's Argentina
Egypt face defending champions Argentina in the last 16 on Tuesday, their first ever appearance in a World Cup knockout round. Hassan acknowledged the challenge but insisted his team would not be intimidated.
He spoke of a responsibility towards Egypt, the Arab world, and Africa, and said his ambitions have no limit.We know we are playing against the World Cup holders and one of the greatest players ever, but we do not fear them.
Who is Hossam Hassan?
Hassan, 59, is a legend of Egyptian football. He is the country's all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 177 international appearances, and the third-highest scorer in the history of Al Ahly, the club where he spent 13 years and which supplies nine players to the current national squad. He took over as coach in 2024 after Egypt's disappointing Africa Cup of Nations exit. His twin brother Ibrahim, a former player and now the team's sporting director, has also made headlines in this tournament after a heated confrontation with Dallas police who asked players for identification at the team hotel.
The war in Gaza
The backdrop to Hassan's words is the devastating war that followed the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Israel's subsequent military offensive in Gaza has killed more than 73,000 Palestinians, according to the territory's health ministry, figures the UN considers reliable. The assault has been described as genocide by some UN experts and rights organisations, an allegation Israel rejects. Hassan's appeal brought that conflict directly into the World Cup spotlight.
- Hamas-led attack on Israel kills about 1,200 people, 251 taken hostage; Israeli offensive in Gaza begins.
- Egypt beat Australia on penalties in Dallas; Hassan waves Palestinian flag and dedicates win to Palestine.
- Hassan delivers emotional press conference appeal for Palestinians ahead of Argentina match.
- Egypt face Argentina in the World Cup last 16 in Atlanta.
