Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, national team director Ibrahim Hassan and forward Mostafa Zico have been suspended after criticising the referee following Egypt's 3–2 defeat to Argentina in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

According to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan have each been handed three-match suspensions, while Zico has been banned for five matches.

Egypt were leading Argentina 2–0 until the 77th minute before the South American side completed a dramatic comeback. Cristian Romero pulled one back in the 79th minute before Lionel Messi equalised in the 83rd. Enzo Fernandez then scored in stoppage time to give Argentina a 3–2 victory.

Several refereeing decisions became a major talking point during the match. Egypt had a goal from Zico ruled out for a foul in the build-up, while a late penalty appeal was also rejected with the score level at 2–2.

Following the defeat, 60-year-old Egypt coach Hossam Hassan strongly criticised the refereeing decisions. He claimed that decisions both on and off the pitch had influenced the outcome of the match and suggested that there may have been a desire to keep the defending world champions and Lionel Messi in the tournament.

Hassan also questioned the fairness of the situation, saying that although real life can be unfair, sport should provide a greater sense of fairness. He added that he was unhappy with both the result and the circumstances surrounding the match.

Zico was suspended for five matches for making insulting remarks about referee François Letexier during a post-match interview.

Hossam Hassan's twin brother, Ibrahim Hassan, who serves as Egypt's national team director, was also handed a three-match suspension.

In a statement, the Egyptian Football Association confirmed that Hossam Hassan and Ibrahim Hassan were each banned for three matches, while Zico received a five-match suspension.

The EFA has asked FIFA's disciplinary committee for the detailed reasons behind the sanctions as it considers the legal aspects of a possible appeal.

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina, meanwhile, defended Letexier and warned that accusations against referees could potentially lead to threats against officials and their families.

As a result of the suspensions, Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan will miss Egypt's upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Malawi in November. They are also expected to miss the first match of the March international window. Zico, meanwhile, will remain unavailable for the national team until June.

Argentina eventually reached the 2026 World Cup final after eliminating Egypt in the last 16. They were beaten 1–0 by Spain in the final.