'We have been cheated': Egypt coach slams refereeing after Argentina match sparks controversy

Speaking at a fiery post-match press conference, Hassan alleged that Egypt had been denied a fair chance in one of the tournament's most dramatic encounters.

"I do not want to put it nicely and talk about hard luck. We have been cheated unfairly today, we have suffered injustice," Hassan was quoted as saying by NDTV.

VAR decision sparks controversy

The biggest flashpoint came when the referee awarded Argentina a penalty after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled that Mostafa Zico's goal, which would have doubled Egypt's lead to 2-0, had been preceded by a foul on Lisandro Martínez.

Although Egypt restored their two-goal cushion later in the match, the decision remained a major talking point.

Egypt furious over late penalty appeal

The controversy intensified in the closing stages when Egypt believed they should have been awarded a penalty in the build-up to Enzo Fernández's stoppage-time winner.

Tensions boiled over after the final whistle as Egyptian players, coaching staff and officials confronted the match officials, alleging that Alexis Mac Allister had fouled Hamdy Fathy inside the penalty area before Argentina's decisive goal.

Egypt argued that the incident warranted both a penalty and a VAR review.

'No respect or fair play': Hassan

Hassan continued his criticism of the officiating, claiming Egypt were repeatedly denied justice during the match.

"We haven't seen respect or fair play. There has not been respect or fair play. A penalty was ruled out, was not even checked by VAR.

"A second goal was remarkably disallowed. There has not even been a VAR check when we have all seen the image of the shirt being pulled back," he said.

Coach vows to boycott remainder of tournament

In a symbolic protest against the officiating, Hassan said he would not watch the remaining matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting his team had been unfairly treated in their heartbreaking Round of 16 exit.