Following Egypt's dramatic exit from the World Cup, head coach Hossam Hassan was seen confronting fans who were holding an Israeli flag. The incident occurred as Hassan left the field after Egypt suffered a 3-2 loss to Argentina in the Round of 16, despite having led by two goals.
Video footage showed Hassan and another coach gesturing toward the fans and appearing agitated. Hassan also appeared to make a spitting gesture in the direction of the spectators. He then engaged with a photographer who was documenting the scene.
Hassan has been an outspoken supporter of Palestine throughout the tournament. After Egypt's victory over Australia in the Round of 32, he was seen waving a Palestinian flag and dedicated the win to the Palestinian people, stating, "My heart and soul are with them." He further commented earlier in the week, "If there is anyone in the world who does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they are not human."
FIFA's regulations state that flags displayed at World Cup matches must be "in a festive and friendly manner" and prohibit materials of a "political nature." However, FIFA has indicated that displaying the Palestinian flag is permitted.
This incident follows a separate report from a World Cup game between Iran and New Zealand, where a man claimed his Israeli flag was confiscated by security while adjacent Palestinian flags remained. The man stated that security personnel told him that FIFA was only concerned about his flag.
Egypt's elimination came after conceding three goals in the final 20 minutes of their match against Argentina on July 7, 2026, at Atlanta Stadium.