Egypt hit with FIFA sanctions after 2026 World Cup exit

Egypt’s national team faces a disrupted international schedule after FIFA sanctioned three members of its delegation over criticism of the referee following the 2026 World Cup elimination by Argentina. The penalties could affect the Pharaons’ upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Malawi in November and the first fixture of the March international window.

Head coach Hossam Hassan and national team director Ibrahim Hassan have each been suspended for three matches. Forward Mostafa Zico received the longest punishment, a five-match ban, after insulting the referee during a post-match interview. Egypt lost 3-2 to Argentina in the round of 16, and the disciplinary action came more than three months after that defeat.

The Egyptian Football Association has asked FIFA’s disciplinary committee to provide the full reasoning behind the decisions. It will then assess whether there are grounds for an appeal. Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan could therefore miss the meetings with Malawi and another match in March, depending on how the sanctions are applied. Zico’s five-match suspension could keep him out of international football until June, although that will depend on the fixture calendar and the implementation of the ban.