Egypt’s historic FIFA World Cup journey may have ended in heartbreak, but the emotions didn’t stop when the final whistle blew. After returning home, Egypt’s players and coaching staff appeared on different TV talk shows to reflect on their remarkable campaign, the controversial exit, and the pride of representing their country on football’s biggest stage.
From Hossam Hassan’s heartfelt apology to the fans to Mostafa Mohamed “Zico’s” emotional tribute to his parents, here are some of the most memorable quotes from Egypt’s World Cup camp.
Hossam Hassan
After leading Egypt to its best-ever World Cup campaign, head coach Hossam Hassan appeared visibly emotional during his interview with Seif Zaher. The legendary striker admitted that the manner of Egypt’s elimination was painful for everyone involved and said the team’s biggest goal had always been to make Egyptians proud.
I wanted nothing more than to make Egyptians happy. The way we were eliminated was incredibly painful. The coaching staff’s greatest wish was to bring joy to the fans and achieve even better results for the national team.
Despite the disappointment, Hassan believes the tournament restored Egypt’s status on the international stage.
Egypt regained its prestige in every sense. The entire Arab world rallied behind us once again, and we represented Africa in the best possible way.
Ibrahim Hassan
Assistant coach Ibrahim Hassan used his post-tournament interview with Seif Zaher to reaffirm his unwavering loyalty to the national team, insisting that neither he nor his twin brother would ever prioritize another job over Egypt.
We’re not the kind of people who would leave Egypt’s national team to coach another country.
He went on to stress that no financial offer could ever change that.
You can’t negotiate with your own country. Even if Hossam and I were offered 100 times more than what Egypt pays us, we would never leave our country.
Karim Hafez
Veteran full-back Karim Hafez revealed to Ibrahim Fayek that he never expected to be included in Egypt’s 2026 World Cup squad. He credited Hossam Hassan for believing in him and helping him rediscover his best form.
I never imagined I’d be called up for the 2026 World Cup. I’m grateful to Hossam Hassan for believing in me. He’s the reason I reached the level of performance I showed during the tournament.
Mohanad Lasheen
Midfielder Mohanad Lasheen offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Egypt’s preparations before facing Argentina.
According to Lasheen’s Talk with Ibrahim Fayek, Hossam Hassan’s first team talk centered on reminding the players that Egypt also had a global icon in Mohamed Salah.
In our first meeting before the Argentina match, Hossam Hassan told us, ‘If they have Messi, then we have a legend just like him: Mohamed Salah.’ After that, he intentionally stopped mentioning Messi by name in the remaining meetings and referred to him only as ‘Player No. 10.’
The approach was designed to remove the psychological pressure surrounding Argentina’s captain and keep the players focused on their own strengths.
Haissem Hassan
One of the tournament’s biggest talking points was the disallowed goal against Argentina, and winger Haissem Hassan admitted to Amr Adib that he still struggles to understand the referee’s decision.
Every time I watch that goal, I think it’s one of the best goals of the tournament. I still don’t understand why it was ruled out. There was no foul, but the referee made that decision.
He also reflected on Egypt’s overall performance, believing the team deserved a different ending.
The whole world saw what happened. We deserved to win and played a perfect match against Argentina. Unfortunately, you can’t fight the referee and other factors. Leaving the World Cup like that is heartbreaking.
Mohamed Hany
For Mohamed Hany, the World Cup ended with one of the most difficult moments of his career after scoring an own goal. Instead of dwelling on the mistake, the defender revealed to Amr Adib that he chose to focus on his response.
It was a hard feeling, scoring an own goal. But I always try to intercept the ball and stop it. Even after it happened, I tried to stay focused and do my best for the rest of the game.
His words reflected the same resilience that defined Egypt’s campaign from start to finish.
Mostafa Mohamed “Zico”
Talking to Amr Adib, forward Mostafa Mohamed “Zico” looked back on the sacrifices that shaped his football journey, thanking his family for helping him reach the world’s biggest stage.
I owe everything to my parents. Back then, I struggled to balance training with working at my father’s store.
His story served as a reminder that behind every World Cup player is a journey built on sacrifice, determination, and unwavering family support.
Whether reflecting on controversial refereeing decisions, expressing gratitude, or reaffirming their commitment to Egypt, these statements reveal a team that left the World Cup with its head held high. While the tournament ended in heartbreak, the pride, unity, and resilience shown throughout the campaign ensured this Egyptian squad will be remembered for far more than the result.
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