At the World Cup, Egypt coach says anyone who doesn’t feel for Palestinian people is ‘not human’

Egypt's national football coach, Hossam Hassan, waved a Palestinian flag on the field after his team's World Cup victory over Australia in the round of 32. Hassan stated he was dedicating the win to both Egyptians and Palestinians, expressing his deep connection to them. The emotional postgame gesture, captured in a viral video, occurred after Egypt secured a 4-2 penalty shootout win following a 1-1 draw. This act of solidarity comes amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza and follows similar expressions from other athletes. FIFA's stance on political statements during matches has been restrictive in the past, though it's unclear if any action will be taken against Hassan.

Egypt's national football team achieved a historic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Australia in a World Cup knockout match, securing their first-ever win in this stage of the tournament. Following the match, Egypt's coach, Hossam Hassan, dedicated the win to the people of Palestine. Fans in Gaza celebrated Egypt's victory, with screenings held amidst bombed buildings. Hassan expressed his hope for Palestinian victory and mercy for their martyrs, carrying both Egyptian and Palestinian flags onto the pitch. This win advances Egypt to a last-16 clash against either Argentina or Cape Verde.

Egypt's head coach, Hossam Hassan, stated that a confrontation between himself, team director Ibrahim Hassan, and a Dallas police officer at their hotel is resolved. The incident, which occurred before Egypt's World Cup match against Australia, involved an argument over a player interacting with a fan. Video showed a physical altercation between Ibrahim Hassan and the officer. Dallas police confirmed they responded to a security request regarding an unauthorized individual and stated the issue was resolved on-site. Hassan indicated the team accepted an apology from the police and expressed satisfaction with the tournament's security.

Egypt has made history by reaching the World Cup last 16 for the first time, defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time in Texas. Emam Ashour scored for Egypt in the 13th minute, but an own goal by Mohamed Hany equalized for Australia in the second half. Both teams, having never won a knockout game before, went to extra time. In the penalty shootout, Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive penalty for Egypt, while Australia missed two crucial kicks. Egypt's victory sets up a potential last-16 clash with Lionel Messi's Argentina, provided Argentina defeats Cape Verde.

Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after their World Cup round of 32 match ended in a 1-1 draw. The game, held in Arlington, Texas on Friday, July 3, 2026, went into extra time after Egypt's Emam Ashour scored in the 13th minute and Australia equalized in the 55th minute due to an own-goal by Egypt's Mohamed Hany. Hany became the first player to score two own-goals in the same World Cup tournament. In the shootout, Egypt's Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive penalty. Australia's goalkeeper Mathew Ryan did not save any of Egypt's four penalty kicks. This victory marks Egypt's debut in the World Cup knockout round, while Australia remains winless in the knockout stage.