Palestine is not participating in the 2026 World Cup, but that did not stop the tournament from becoming politically charged. Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, ignited controversy by waving a Palestinian flag on the pitch after his team’s victory against Australia. This match took place at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, United States, and quickly gained attention on social media, with chants of ‘Free, free Palestine!’ resonating online.
Hassan dedicated the win to both the Egyptian and Palestinian people, emphasizing his support for them in a post-match interview. He expressed, ‘My heart and soul are with them. I dedicate this victory to the Palestinians. May Allah grant them victory and have mercy on their martyrs.’
Controversy regarding flag displays continued throughout the tournament. During the USA’s final group-stage match against Turkey, the presence of a Palestinian flag was noted, raising questions about its place in the World Cup. The allowance of Palestinian flags contrasted with the banning of Israeli flags at matches, highlighting apparent inconsistencies in enforcement.
FIFA has not issued a statement or responded to media inquiries about these incidents. In a prior event at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, FIFA President Gianni Infantino interacted with representatives from both Israeli and Palestinian football associations, reflecting ongoing sensitivities.
Looking ahead, Egypt is preparing for a challenging match against Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in the round of 16 in Atlanta.
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