Egypt team manager Ibrahim Hassan says the Pharaohs were prevented from continuing their World Cup campaign by serious refereeing errors in their last-16 defeat by Argentina.
Egypt were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after losing 3-2 to Argentina, despite taking a 2-0 lead during a match that prompted widespread debate over officiating decisions.
The national team returned from the United States after the tournament and received a large welcome from supporters at El Alamein Airport.
Thousands of fans gathered to celebrate Egypt’s campaign, which included the country’s first qualification for the World Cup round of 16.
Speaking to Egyptian broadcaster ON Sport, Hassan thanked the supporters who followed the team both at home and abroad, while saying the squad remained deeply disappointed by the manner of its elimination.
“Thank God the fans are always behind us. I thank them, and this is what I expected and what we work for. We were working for these fans, as they deserve more than what we achieved. We wanted to give them more, but it was beyond our control. I tell them that we did not fall short and I ask them not to be sad. Our ambition was high, and I also know that the fans wanted to achieve bigger things and they had confidence in us.”
Egypt praise supporters at home and abroad
Hassan said the response from Egyptian supporters had been one of the most memorable parts of the team’s World Cup journey.
He said members of the squad and coaching staff had seen Egyptian expatriates travelling across the United States to support the national team.
“I am happy with the fans. We saw the Egyptian expatriates abroad in America going everywhere to cheer us on. I, the coaching staff, and the players are happy with this sight and that we were able to make the younger generations connected to the Egyptian national team. Football makes the young child connected to his country and cling to the love of Egypt.”
Egypt’s performance against Argentina became the defining match of their campaign.
The Pharaohs had built a two-goal lead and appeared close to one of the tournament’s biggest surprises before Argentina recovered to win.
The match included a disallowed goal for Egypt and other decisions that were criticised by Egyptian officials and supporters.
‘Terrible’ errors claimed
Hassan said the team felt they could have progressed had key decisions gone differently.
“The sadness inside us is great because of what happened and its impact on the public. I felt the joy of the Egyptian fans when we were ahead 2-0 against Argentina , and when Zico’s goal was disallowed. We could have continued in the tournament, but terrible (refereeing) mistakes happened. These people have been exposed to the whole world.”
He also claimed that Egypt had received sympathy from people they met during their time in the United States.
“The whole world talked about our elimination in that way. In America, everyone greeted us and apologized for what happened. Everyone was supporting Egypt in the face of what happened in that match. It has never happened before in the World Cup, or even in history. We left the World Cup with honor, but due to foul play.”
Confidence before tournament exit
Hassan said he and Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan had entered the tournament with high expectations and had not anticipated an early return home.
“Hossam Hassan and I told the players that we would not return to Egypt early. We had great confidence, and we were greatly appreciated. We made great efforts and reaped the rewards of those efforts. We had the support of all Egyptians and all Arab countries as well.”
Egypt’s campaign ended in disappointment, but the reception in El Alamein reflected the pride felt by supporters after the team’s historic progress to the knockout stage.
For Hassan, the achievement remains significant, even as the refereeing controversy surrounding the Argentina match continues to dominate discussion of Egypt’s exit.
