Hossam Hassan used the FIFA World Cup press conference to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
Published July 7, 2026
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan dedicated his team’s historic knockout victory at the World Cup to the Palestinian people, reiterating his support for the country after waving the national flag at the world’s biggest sporting event.
At Monday’s press conference, Hassan avoided discussion of the upcoming match against Argentina in the Round of 16, delivering an impassioned monologue about the plight of the Palestinian people.
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“If there is anyone in the world who does not sympathize with the Palestinians, whether he is an Arab, European or American, he is not a human being,” Hassan said. He spoke on this topic for more than four minutes and received applause from the many media gathered.
Despite the ongoing “ceasefire” between Israel and Hamas, Israeli attacks across Gaza continue to kill Palestinians. Israel has killed at least 73,066 people in the Gaza Strip since the genocidal war began on October 7, including at least 20,179 children. At least 463 people died of starvation, including 157 children.
More than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza are largely displaced, living in ruins and facing uncertainty after a massacre by Israel.
Asked on Friday why he waved the Palestinian flag after his team’s penalty shootout victory over Australia, Hassan said: “It was just a human reaction.”
“Anywhere in the world, including Europe and America, when someone hurts an animal, animal rights are upheld and the whole world reacts,” Hassan said. “It has become commonplace to hear about 2,000 or 3,000 people being killed by missiles a day.”
The massacre sparked pro-Palestinian protests around the world, with athletes including Spain’s Lamine Yamal expressing support.
While answering a question about the possibility of Lionel Messi and his team facing the holders, Hassan also spoke at length about the Palestinians.
“Regardless of religion…I am a human being before I am Arab or not. My message through football is this: I hope that people’s right to life will be respected, just as the FIFA slogan asks us to respect it,” Hassan said.
If Egypt defeats Argentina, they will advance to the quarterfinals for the first time.
Hassan said, “My dreams have no limits. My ambitions also have no limits. I promise to do my best to live up to (the fans’) expectations.” “We are not losers. We are great in every way. We are a civilization that is 7,000 years old, or more than 7,000 years old.”
Hassan admitted his side were not favorites for Tuesday’s encounter, but insisted they were by no means overpowered.
“I know I’m playing against a World Cup holder and one of the greatest players of all time (Messi), but I’m not afraid of them.
“That responsibility forces us to focus on ourselves and what we can produce on the field,” he added.
“We have a responsibility to Egypt, the Arab world and Africa. We represent all of them.”
