Fresh controversy has emerged around Egypt’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign after reports questioned the eligibility of winger Haissem Hassan, who featured in the Pharaohs’ Round of 32 victory over Australia.
The speculation has sparked widespread debate on social media, with some supporters calling on FIFA to investigate whether the 24-year-old was properly registered to represent Egypt during the tournament.
The controversy centres on Hassan’s international switch from France to Egypt.
The Real Oviedo winger officially declared his intention to represent Egypt in March, and the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has stated that all necessary procedures for his nationality switch were completed.
However, doubts surfaced after observers claimed Hassan’s profile on FIFA’s official registration system continued to list him under France rather than Egypt, prompting questions over whether his change of sporting nationality had been fully processed or whether the issue was simply an administrative or database error.
The discrepancy has fuelled speculation over whether FIFA could open a formal investigation.
Before switching allegiance, Hassan represented France at youth level, featuring for France U-17 and France U-18.
Under FIFA regulations, youth appearances do not automatically prevent a player from changing national teams, provided all eligibility requirements and the one-time switch process are satisfied.
At this stage, there has been no official indication from FIFA that Egypt has breached any regulations or that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated.
The growing speculation has led to questions over whether Egypt could face sanctions if any irregularities were discovered, including the possibility of disciplinary action or, in the most serious scenario, forfeiture of results.
However, there is currently no evidence that FIFA has opened an investigation, and the claims remain unverified.
Until FIFA or the governing bodies involved issue an official statement, the matter remains speculative.
Despite the off-field controversy, Egypt continue their impressive World Cup journey after eliminating Australia on penalties in the Round of 32.
Led by captain Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs are now preparing for one of the tournament’s biggest challenges—a quarter-final showdown against defending world champions Argentina.
Whether the eligibility debate develops further or proves to be nothing more than a registration system error, Egypt’s focus will remain firmly on attempting to upset Lionel Messi and Argentina in their bid to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
Credit Photo : Egypt NT
