**Egypt Coach Offers Support for Iranian Team Before Crucial World Cup Match**
*Seattle, US – June 26, 2026* – Hossam Hassan, the head coach of the Egyptian national football team, has expressed his support for the Iranian team ahead of their highly anticipated match in Seattle on Friday. His comments come amid ongoing criticism regarding the scheduling and travel restrictions faced by Iran during the FIFA World Cup.
In a press conference held on Thursday, Hassan emphasized the importance of equal treatment for all teams participating in the tournament. He stated, “All teams have the right to equal treatment, because FIFA seeks respect and fair play.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among various teams regarding the conditions under which they are competing, particularly for Iran.
Iran's team, known as Team Melli, has faced unique challenges as they prepared for their matches in the United States. Their training camp was based in Mexico, and they were permitted to enter the U.S. only one day before each match, with a quick exit mandated immediately following their games. This situation has raised questions about fairness and the impact on the team's performance.
Hassan, while refraining from directly criticizing the U.S. hosts, conveyed a message of solidarity with the Iranian players. He acknowledged the challenges they have faced and expressed his respect for their right to compete on an equal footing. “Respect and fair play mean everyone should respect everyone, and for there to be fairness between everyone. That’s why I wish luck to all of us,” he added.
Iran's head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, also addressed the travel issues during his own press conference. He noted that the restrictive policies had affected the fitness and preparation of his squad. Ghalenoei remarked, “We are going to set all of that aside. We are going to overcome all of these challenges,” indicating a determination to focus on the upcoming match despite the obstacles.
When asked about the ability to arrive in Seattle two days before the match, Ghalenoei expressed frustration, stating, “This was our right, which we should have had in the two previous games, but they deprived us of the right to arrive on time.” His comments highlight the broader concerns about the treatment of teams during the tournament.
Both coaches took the opportunity to show mutual respect for each other's teams. Ghalenoei praised Egypt's organization and talent, particularly singling out star player Mohamed Salah. He acknowledged that while Salah is a key player, the Egyptian team has many other skilled athletes who contribute to their success.
As the match approaches, Egypt finds itself at the top of their group with four points, needing only a draw to secure a place in the knockout stages. Iran, currently in second place with two points, is in a position where they must strive for a victory to advance. With Belgium and New Zealand also in the mix, the stakes are high for all teams involved.
Hassan expressed his desire to bring joy to Egyptian fans following their historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand earlier in the tournament, which marked Egypt's first-ever World Cup win. “We want to make you happy. You deserve all the joy we saw and heard about in Egypt,” he stated, highlighting the emotional significance of the tournament for the Egyptian people.
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the focus will not only be on the match itself but also on the broader themes of fairness, respect, and the spirit of competition that the World Cup embodies. The game promises to be a significant moment for both nations as they seek to advance in the tournament while navigating the complexities of international football.