Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan urges football world to support Palestinian cause
Ahead of Egypt's World Cup round-of-16 match against Argentina, head coach Hossam Hassan has reiterated his call for global support for the Palestinian people.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Saiflee100
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has once again used his platform at the 2026 World Cup to highlight the Palestinian cause. Speaking ahead of his team's historic round-of-16 clash against Argentina, the former Egypt striker emphasized the human dimension of the ongoing conflict.
When asked about his decision to drape himself in a Palestinian flag following Egypt's round-of-32 victory over Australia, Hassan remained firm in his stance. He noted that football acts as a form of "soft power" that can carry vital messages to the world.
If a person anywhere in the world does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they have lost part of their humanity. Before being Arab, Muslim, Christian or anything else, I am a human being. Hossam Hassan
Hassan urged fellow athletes and members of the media to help deliver his message of peace for Palestinian civilians. He described the current silence on the matter as a "shame on the entire world," specifically calling on global decision-makers to address the suffering of those caught in the conflict.
The coach's actions have sparked discussions regarding FIFA regulations, which strictly prohibit the display of political symbols. However, as the Palestinian flag is the official emblem of a FIFA member association, it generally remains permitted unless deemed a significant security risk. Hassan’s comments were met with applause from journalists present at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.