CORNERFLICK
Egypt have reached the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in their history after drawing 1-1 with Iran in their final group game at the 2026 tournament.
Coach Hossam Hassan described the qualification as a historic achievement and congratulated Egypt fans, as well as supporters across the Arab world and Africa. He also thanked Egyptians who stayed up through the night to back the team.
Hassan said Egypt would keep working hard before Friday’s last-16 tie against Australia in Dallas. He pointed to several selection concerns, including Mehmed Leshin’s suspension after a booking against Australia, and said Mohamed Salah, Ahmed Fattouh and Hamdi Fathi would all be assessed.
Despite that, Hassan insisted he was not worried about depth in the squad. He said he had called up 26 players and would not panic even if six were unavailable.
Egypt have already played friendlies against Spain and Saudi Arabia, and matches in World Cup qualifying, with several absentees, Hassan added. He said that record showed the team could still hit its targets.