Chicago – July 07, 2026
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan pushed the World Cup back into political debate on Monday after using a FIFA press conference to call for support for Palestinians ahead of Egypt’s last-16 match against Argentina. Reuters reported that Hassan said football should be used as “soft power” and urged athletes and journalists worldwide to help deliver the message that Palestinians should be allowed to live.
Hassan’s comments followed his post-match celebration after Egypt’s win over Australia, when he waved a Palestinian flag and dedicated the victory to Egyptians and Palestinians. FIFA bans political slogans on equipment, but Reuters noted it could not immediately identify a rule stopping coaches from voicing political views at press conferences.
The remarks came at a sensitive moment for FIFA, which has already faced scrutiny over its disciplinary decisions during the tournament. The episode underscores how the World Cup, despite FIFA’s attempts to keep politics out of football, continues to serve as a global stage for political and humanitarian messages.
