Egypt Coach Hossam Hassan Reaffirms Support for Palestinians Ahead of World Cup Clash with Argentina

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has once again voiced his support for the Palestinian people, using his pre-match press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Argentina to deliver an emotional appeal focused on humanitarian concerns.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of one of Egypt's biggest matches in World Cup history, Hassan briefly stepped away from football-related questions to discuss the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza. His remarks followed similar expressions of solidarity after Egypt's historic Round of 32 victory over Australia, when he dedicated the win to the Palestinian people and carried a Palestinian flag during the team's celebrations.

Addressing journalists, Hassan described his position as one based on humanity rather than politics.

"If there is anyone in the world who does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they are not human  whether they are Arab, European, or American," he said during the press conference.

The Egypt coach spoke for several minutes on the subject before returning to questions about his team's preparations for the knockout fixture against defending champions Argentina.
 

Hassan explained that waving the Palestinian flag following Egypt's victory over Australia was what he considered a natural humanitarian response to the suffering of civilians.

"Regardless of religion… I am a human before being Arab or anything else," he said.

"My message, through football, is this: Please, just as FIFA's slogan calls for respect among us, I hope there will be respect for people's right to live."

His comments were met with applause from several members of the international media attending the press conference.

The Egyptian coach has consistently expressed solidarity with Palestinians throughout the tournament, making the issue a recurring theme during his public appearances. His earlier gesture after Egypt secured its first-ever World Cup knockout victory drew widespread attention across the Arab world and beyond.

While much of the press conference focused on humanitarian issues, Hassan also discussed the football challenge awaiting his side against Argentina.

He acknowledged that Egypt would face one of the strongest teams remaining in the competition but insisted his players would enter the match with confidence rather than fear.

"We know we are playing against the World Cup holders and one of the greatest players ever, but we do not fear them," Hassan said.

The coach stressed that reaching the Round of 16 has strengthened his players' belief while increasing their sense of responsibility to supporters across Egypt, the Arab world, and Africa.

"We have a responsibility towards Egypt and the Arab world and Africa. We represent all of them," he added.

Despite recognizing Argentina's quality and experience, Hassan said his ambitions for Egypt remain unchanged.

"My dreams have no limits. My ambitions have no limits. I promise that we will do everything to live up to the expectations," he said.
 

He also emphasized Egypt's long history and national pride, saying his team intends to compete with courage regardless of its opponent.

Egypt enters the Round of 16 after a memorable victory over Australia, a result that secured the country's first-ever World Cup knockout-stage win. Their reward is a meeting with defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, who guided his side through a dramatic extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the previous round.
 

Argentina are widely considered favorites to advance, but Hassan believes his disciplined squad has earned the opportunity to challenge one of the tournament's leading contenders.

Beyond football, Hassan's remarks have added another humanitarian dimension to Egypt's World Cup campaign, with his repeated expressions of solidarity attracting attention throughout the tournament.
 

As kickoff approaches, Egypt will seek to continue its historic World Cup journey by upsetting the defending champions, while Hassan hopes his team's performances on the pitch can inspire supporters both at home and across the wider region.