Hossam Hassan Declares Egypt ‘Ready for Anyone’ After Pharaohs Reach 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has delivered a confident message following his side’s progression to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the Pharaohs harbour no fear of any opponent as the knockout phase begins.

The North Africans confirmed their place in the next round after holding Iran to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, finishing second in Group G behind Belgium. The result was enough to seal a last-32 fixture against Australia, a match that will represent Egypt’s deepest push into a World Cup in recent memory.

“I’m not thinking about our next opponent; we’re ready to play against anyone. We’re capable of playing our own style of football, of adapting, and respecting every opponent. We won’t be afraid of anyone,” Hassan told FIFA.com following the Iran fixture.

The Egyptian tactician also took time to reflect on his squad’s resilience across the group stage, during which the Pharaohs remained unbeaten — earning a draw against Belgium before holding Iran. “We’re unbeaten and we’re proud of that. I said from the start that it would be a tough group stage. It’s an honour to get through to the next round,” Hassan stated. “I’d like to thank my players because they’ve brought immense joy to our fans.”

Egypt’s progression is part of a broader African milestone at the 2026 tournament. Seven African nations advanced to the knockout stage, marking a historically significant showing for the continent under the expanded 48-team format introduced for this edition of the competition. The format expansion, which increased the group stage from 32 to 48 teams, also created a new Round of 32 phase — a stage that Egypt must now navigate before reaching the last 16.

Belgium topped Group G after defeating New Zealand by a heavy margin, consigning the Oceanic side to an early exit. Australia, Egypt’s upcoming opponents, emerged from their own group and will pose a disciplined, physical challenge in the knockout tie.

For Hassan, who has faced significant scrutiny in his tenure as Egypt’s head coach, progression past the group stage will be viewed as a meaningful achievement. The Pharaohs last appeared at a FIFA World Cup in 2018, where they were eliminated in the group stage after defeats to Uruguay, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Making the Round of 32 in 2026 therefore represents an improved performance on the global stage.

With the squad’s unbeaten group record intact and morale reportedly high within the camp, Egypt will now focus their preparations on the Australia fixture as they bid to reach the last 16 of a World Cup for the first time.