Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan has voiced support for Iran’s national football team ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group G encounter, citing FIFA’s core principles of “respect and fair play” as the Iranian squad deals with US-imposed travel restrictions that have complicated their tournament preparations.
The match, scheduled for late June 2026 in Seattle, carries significant weight for both sides. Egypt currently sits atop Group G after dismantling New Zealand 3-1 in their opening fixture.
Travel restrictions and the Pride Match controversy
Iran’s World Cup campaign in the US has been anything but smooth off the pitch. US authorities have imposed travel limitations on the Iranian delegation, creating logistical headaches that the team says have hampered their ability to prepare properly for matches on American soil.
Egypt hasn’t been immune to the bureaucratic friction either. US authorities reportedly denied Egypt’s request to remain in Seattle following their match, forcing the team into additional, unnecessary travel during a grueling tournament schedule.
