FIFA has commented on Egyptian national team coach Hossam Hassan raising the Palestinian flag after the match against Australia in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
Following the final whistle, Hossam Hassan appeared carrying the Palestinian flag and walking around the field with it before dedicating the historic qualification to the Egyptian and Palestinian people. The fans chanted slogans in support of Palestine during the qualification celebrations.
Some foreign newspapers called for deterrent penalties to be imposed on the Pharaohs' coach, considering that this behavior carries political messages or stances within the stadiums.
In its comment on the incident, FIFA clarified that raising the Palestinian flag is permitted during World Cup matches, stressing that there are no
indications of any action being taken against Hossam Hassan.
FIFA said in a statement to the Associated Press: "Flags of all 211 FIFA member associations are permitted to be displayed during FIFA tournaments, and fans are welcome to display them in accordance with stadium regulations and FIFA's code of conduct."
The Palestinian Football Association is one of the member associations of FIFA, which makes raising the Palestinian flag permissible according to the tournament regulations.
The Egyptian national team is preparing to face its Argentinian counterpart next Tuesday evening in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
