Egypt forward Mostafa Ziko has backed head coach Hossam Hassan’s claims that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being “directed towards Argentina” after the Pharaohs’ dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 defeat to the reigning champions.
The North Africans looked on course for one of the tournament’s biggest upsets after taking a commanding 2-0 lead with just 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
However, Argentina staged a stunning late comeback, with Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández all finding the net to seal a remarkable victory.
The match also featured a major moment of controversy when Ziko had what would have been Egypt’s third goal ruled out following a VAR review, with the referee adjudging a foul in the build-up.
Ziko Backs Hossam Hassan
Speaking after the match, a visibly frustrated Hassan accused officials of favouring Argentina, declaring that the World Cup was “directed towards Argentina.”
Ziko has now echoed his manager’s sentiments, insisting the controversial decisions had a decisive impact on the outcome of the contest.
“It was not fair from the referee. It was really not fair, that was very clear. He wasted all of our efforts with his decisons. We were leading 2-0 and we cannot do anything, it’s all up to God,” Ziko told TSN.
“We are so sorry (to the people of Egypt). I am so sorry. We wanted to make you all happy. It was not in the cards. It was the referee. The cup is directed towards Argentina.”
