Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has reignited his long-running feud with Argentina, declaring that “football won” after Spain defeated the defending champions to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Spain were crowned world champions for a second time after substitute Ferran Torres struck the decisive goal in extra time to secure a hard fought 1-0 victory over Argentina in Sunday’s final, ending La Roja’s remarkable tournament on the highest note.
But while Spain celebrated their triumph, Hassan used the occasion to revisit the controversy that surrounded Egypt’s dramatic Round of 16 exit against Argentina earlier in the competition.
The outspoken coach, who accused match officials of favouring Lionel Scaloni’s side after Egypt surrendered a two goal lead in a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat, claimed Spain also had to overcome questionable officiating before emerging victorious.
“If you notice, they tried their best to rob Spain, but it didn’t just work,” Hassan said.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said he would never watch another match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after accusing officials of denying his side justice in their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina.
The former Egypt international pointed to the disallowed goal scored by Nico Williams, insisting a similar decision would not have gone against Argentina.
“They cancelled Nico Williams’ goal for a foul they wouldn’t have cancelled if it was Argentina.”
Hassan, who vowed after Egypt’s elimination that he would not watch another match at the World Cup because “there is no justice in it,” maintained that Spain were worthy champions because they proved the better side despite what he believes were unfavourable refereeing decisions.
“I am very happy Spain won because they were the better team and they won over corruption. Football won today.”
The latest remarks continue a narrative that began after Egypt’s controversial exit earlier in the tournament.
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Following the Pharaohs’ defeat to Argentina, Hassan launched a scathing attack on the officiating, claiming his side were denied a second half penalty, questioning the VAR decision that ruled out an Egyptian goal, and alleging there had been pressure on the referee before kick off.
Despite those allegations, Hassan praised his players for taking the eventual runners-up to the brink, insisting the predominantly home based Egyptian squad had outplayed one of world football’s traditional heavyweights.
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Although Egypt’s World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16, their impressive performances earned enough FIFA ranking points to climb above Nigeria into third place in Africa in the latest FIFA rankings.
