Egypt manager Hassan shows support for Iran against US restrictions

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan said all teams at the World Cup should be treated equally, as he criticized US travel restrictions and scheduling unfairness targeting Iran. Hassan expressed respect for the Iranian team in a rare show of support.

Scraper SystemJune 26, 2026, 09:41 AM

Egypt manager Hassan shows support for Iran against US restrictions

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan voiced support for Iran amid criticism that the United States, as the tournament host, imposed unfair scheduling and travel restrictions on the Iranian team at the FIFA World Cup in Seattle. Hassan stressed that all teams at the World Cup should be treated equally.

When Al Jazeera asked if he had a message for the Iranian team, Hassan said, "I respect all teams that have the right to be at the World Cup." Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Hassan added that all teams deserve equal treatment, "because FIFA seeks respect and fair play."

Hassan said, "Respect and fair play mean everyone respects everyone and there is fairness among all. So I wish good luck to all of us." He also noted that the Iranian team is one of the teams he respects greatly. Although Hassan avoided openly criticizing the US hosts, his comments were seen as a rare show of support for Iran from a team in the tournament.

Iran's travel restrictions

Iran set up its camp in Mexico during the tournament, while playing all its matches on the US West Coast. Iranian players and staff were only allowed to enter the United States one day before matches and were asked to leave the country immediately afterward. US officials loosened the restrictions ahead of Iran's match against Egypt in Seattle, allowing Team Melli to arrive in the city two days early.

Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei reiterated on Thursday that US travel policies affected his team's conditioning and preparations. "We will put all of this aside. We will overcome all these difficulties," he said.

When Al Jazeera asked about the ability to arrive in Seattle two days before the match, Ghalenoei said, "That was our right, a right we should have had in the previous two matches as well, but we were deprived of the right to arrive on time."

Mutual respect and crucial match

Both managers expressed respect for each other's teams in separate press conferences on Thursday. Ghalenoei said, "We are very happy that two teams with ancient civilizations and proud of their countries are playing together." He stressed that his team would not focus solely on stopping Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, as the Pharaohs have effective players all over the field.

Ghalenoei assessed, "We believe the Egyptian team is extremely organized and well-planned. In addition to Salah, they have many great and well-known players." Egypt enters the group as leaders with four points, and a draw would be enough for them to advance. Iran is second with two points, while Belgium also has two points and New Zealand has one.

Although a draw could be enough for Egypt, Hassan said he knows how to pursue victory regardless of the calculations. Egypt earned its first win in World Cup history by beating New Zealand 3-1 on Monday, sparking great joy among Egyptians. Addressing Egyptian fans, Hassan said, "We want to make you happy. You deserve all the joy we see and hear in Egypt."

Egypt manager Hassan shows support for Iran against US restrictions