Hossam Hassan invokes FIFA’s ‘respect and honest play’ guidelines amid US restrictions on Iran, whom Egypt face in Seattle.
Printed On 26 Jun 2026
Seattle, US – Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan says all groups on the FIFA World Cup should be handled equally amid criticism that Iran has confronted unfair scheduling and journey restrictions from event cohosts the US.
Requested by Al Jazeera if he had a message for the Iranian crew, Hassan stated on Thursday that he has “respect [for] the entire groups which have a proper to be on the World Cup”.
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All groups have the appropriate to equal therapy, “as a result of FIFA seeks respect and honest play”, he added throughout a information convention forward of a decisive fixture in opposition to Iran within the closing group-stage recreation on Friday.
“Respect and honest play imply everybody ought to respect everybody, and for there to be equity between everybody. That’s why I want luck to all of us,” Hassan stated. “The Iranian crew is likely one of the groups I respect very a lot.”
Whereas Hassan stopped wanting explicitly criticising the US hosts, his feedback signify a uncommon present of help for Iran from a fellow crew within the event.
Iran primarily based their coaching camp in Mexico whereas taking part in all of their matches on the US West Coast. Iranian gamers and employees have been solely allowed into the US in the future earlier than their matches and ordered to go away the nation nearly instantly after play ended.
US authorities have loosened the restrictions forward of Iran’s match in opposition to Egypt in Seattle, permitting Crew Melli to reach within the metropolis in the future earlier.
Iran’s supervisor Amir Ghalenoei reiterated on Thursday that US journey insurance policies have affected the health and preparations of his squad.
“We’re going to set all of that apart. We’re going to overcome all of those challenges,” he advised reporters.
‘Disadvantaged us of the appropriate’
Requested by Al Jazeera about having the ability to arrive in Seattle two days earlier than the match, Ghalenoei stated: “This was our proper, which we must always have had within the two earlier video games, however they disadvantaged us of the appropriate to reach on time.”
Each Ghalenoei and Hassan expressed respect for one another’s groups at separate information conferences on Thursday.
“We’re very blissful there are two groups taking part in collectively who’ve historic civilisations and are happy with their nations,” Ghalenoei stated.
He careworn that his crew won’t solely deal with stopping Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, saying the Pharaohs have efficient gamers throughout the sector.
“We consider that the Egyptian crew is a extremely organised, well-planned crew. Along with Salah, they’ve many nice and recognized gamers,” Ghalenoei stated.
Egypt comes into the sport on the high of the group with 4 factors. A draw might be sufficient for them to qualify.
Iran are in second with two factors. Belgium additionally has two, and New Zealand has one.
Though a draw could also be sufficient for Egypt to qualify, Hassan stated he is aware of the best way to pursue victory no matter calculations.
Egypt had scored its first-ever World Cup victory, a 3-1 win in opposition to New Zealand, on Monday, sparking wild celebrations amongst Egyptians.
“We wish to make you cheerful. You deserve all the enjoyment we noticed and heard about in Egypt,” Hassan stated in a message to Egyptian followers.”
