The X Gesture, Alleged Spitting at a Fan, and Protests Against Messi: Could Hossam Hassan Face FIFA Sanctions?
Egypt’s Round of 16 clash against Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has evolved from an exciting football spectacle into an open disciplinary and media controversy after Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan sparked widespread debate through a series of actions and protests.
The closing moments of the Round of 16 encounter between Egypt and Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup quickly became the focus of disciplinary and media attention after Egypt’s head coach, Hossam Hassan, generated significant controversy over a series of actions and protests during the final minutes of the match. Argentina ultimately secured a 3–2 victory to advance to the quarter-finals.
Among the most widely discussed incidents was Hossam Hassan’s “X” gesture directed toward French referee François Letexier. The gesture carries a specific meaning within FIFA’s anti-racism protocol, while others argued that it merely represented a form of protest against the referee’s decisions, similar to the well-known gesture previously used by Portuguese coach José Mourinho.
The protests did not end there. The final moments of the match were also marked by heightened tension around the technical areas. Widely circulated footage appeared to show Hossam Hassan repeatedly protesting against both the referee and Lionel Messi. It also reportedly captured an incident in which he allegedly spat toward an Argentine supporter carrying an Israeli flag, an episode that triggered another wave of criticism across traditional media and social media platforms.
Following the final whistle, Hossam Hassan held a press conference during which he strongly criticized the officiating, arguing that his team had suffered what he described as “clear injustice.” He also questioned FIFA’s decision to appoint a French referee for the match and announced that he would not watch the remainder of the tournament.
In contrast, several refereeing experts maintain that the most controversial decisions were fully consistent with the Laws of the Game. They argued that the disallowance of Egypt’s goal following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, as well as the decision not to award the penalty requested by Egypt, were both correct. According to their assessment, Argentina prevailed through its experience and its ability to capitalize on crucial moments.
According to information obtained by Anbaa Express from informed sources, all the incidents that occurred after the match—particularly the “X” gesture and the repeated protests following the final whistle—could be reviewed by the relevant FIFA disciplinary bodies if they are included in the official reports submitted by the referee or the match commissioner. However, as of now, FIFA has not issued any official statement announcing the opening of an investigation or the initiation of disciplinary proceedings.
The incident has also revived memories of several previous controversies involving Hossam Hassan on the international stage. Among them were his remarks during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco concerning the accommodation of the Egyptian national team, when he spoke about problems at the hotel where the “Pharaohs” were staying. Those comments generated widespread debate within sporting and media circles before the controversy gradually subsided.
It is also worth noting that the disappointment of elimination was not the only defining aspect of Egypt’s campaign, despite the team recording its first-ever victory in FIFA World Cup history.
Egypt entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a modest record in the tournament, having previously participated in the 1934, 1990, and 2018 editions without winning a single match.
The victory achieved during the current tournament ended a wait that had lasted 92 years, marking a historic milestone that renewed hope among Egyptian supporters. Nevertheless, it proved insufficient to continue the campaign against an Argentine side renowned for its ability to prevail in major encounters.
Thus, caught between a historic achievement after 92 years of waiting and a painful elimination at the hands of the reigning world champions, Egypt left the World Cup amid a storm of controversy. The protests and conduct of head coach Hossam Hassan attracted greater attention from international media than the strong performances delivered by the players throughout the tournament.
The question that now remains is whether the matter will end with media debate and public reactions or whether the referee’s report and FIFA’s competent bodies will open a new disciplinary case that could expose the Egyptian coach to potential sanctions. The coming days are expected to provide the answer in what has become one of the most controversial stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
