Seattle, USA – Hossam Hassan, the coach of the Egyptian national team, expressed his happiness at the Pharaohs’ qualification for the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup for the first time in their history, stressing that the team has alternatives capable of compensating for any absences, while pointing out that Mohamed Salah asked to be substituted during the match against Iran after feeling pain.
Hossam Hassan said in statements via “beIN SPORTS” channel: “I congratulate the Egyptian people and the Arab and African fans on this achievement. We were close to finishing the group stage in first place, but the goal difference decided first place”.
He added: “The players put on a good performance, and we controlled large periods of the match despite the injuries the team suffered. Most importantly, we achieved our goal of qualifying, and we will start preparing for what’s next”.
The coach spoke about the possible absences, saying: “Mohannad Lashin will be absent due to suspension after receiving his second yellow card, and Hossam Abdel-Magid is still suffering from injury, but we have 26 players and they are all up to the task”.
Regarding Mohamed Salah’s condition, he explained: “Salah asked to be substituted himself, which means he felt something. We are waiting for the medical staff’s report to determine the extent of the injury, and we hope Hamdi Fathi will be ready to play in the next match”.
Hossam Hassan concluded his remarks with a message of reassurance to the fans, saying: “I am not worried about any absences, and we have a distinguished group of players, and I trust everyone’s ability to compensate for any shortcomings. If I were afraid of injuries, I would not be able to coach the Egyptian national team, and I have great confidence in all the team members”.
