Egypt's national team manager, Hossam Hassan, sparked controversy by waving a Palestinian flag on the pitch after his team's penalty-kick win over Australia in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match took place on July 3, 2026, at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, United States.

A video of Hassan waving the flag went viral on social media, with chants of "Free, free Palestine!" audible in the background. In a post-match interview, Hassan dedicated the victory to the "good and noble" Egyptian and Palestinian people, saying, "My heart and soul are with them. May Allah grant them victory and have mercy on their martyrs."

The incident has raised questions about political expressions during the tournament, especially since Israeli flags have been banned from matches, while Palestinian flags have appeared multiple times. FIFA has not yet issued a statement regarding Hassan's actions.

Egypt is scheduled to face Lionel Messi and Argentina in their Round of 16 match on Tuesday in Atlanta.

Sources