Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has accused match officials of favouring Argentina in their 2026 World Cup last-16 clash on Tuesday evening. The Pharaohs surrendered a commanding two-goal advantage and fell to a 3-2 defeat.
Hassan was visibly frustrated by several refereeing decisions during the match. He didn't hold back his criticism in the aftermath.
"I will say what's on my mind regardless of consequence," Hassan told reporters. "This was clearly a rigged match and the whole world saw it."
The Egypt manager questioned why international football authorities would invite nations to compete if the outcome was predetermined. "And I want to say one more thing: if they want [Argentina] to win so bad, why call everyone to come and participate?" he asked.
Hassan's outburst reflects Egypt's disappointment at squandering what appeared to be a winning position. The controversial nature of the officiating has fuelled debate about fairness in the tournament.
