Haitham Hassan, the Egyptian national team player, who plays for the Spanish club Real Oviedo, received praise from the fans after his first appearance in the World Cup with the Pharaohs against Australia in the match that took place as part of the World Cup tournament.
The Egyptian national team succeeded in overcoming its Australian counterpart by penalty kicks in the match that ended in a positive draw with one goal each in regular and extra time, and the match was held at Dallas Stadium.
Haitham Hassan's appearance
Haitham Hassan's participation with the Egyptian national team against Australia was the player's first in the World Cup, as he entered the field in the 67th minute of the match, replacing Mostafa Ziko, to give the Pharaohs more attacking ferocity.
The delay in Haitham Hassan's participation with the Egyptian national team in the World Cup until the Round of 16 match raised many questions, to which Hossam Hassan, the national coach of the Pharaohs, responded during statements he made at the press conference after the Australia match.
Hossam Hassan explained, saying: "I have great confidence in Haitham Hassan, and I cannot talk about the reason for his non-participation, as there are some internal matters that I cannot discuss, as some paperwork caused the delay in his participation."
Five players await their first appearance with the national team
Five players are awaiting their first appearance with the Egyptian national team in the World Cup, from a long list of 26 individuals selected by Hossam Hassan to represent the Pharaohs in the tournament held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Twenty-one players participated with the Egyptian national team during four matches played by the Pharaohs in the 2026 World Cup finals, while five others are waiting for their first appearance opportunity.
The Egyptian national team is set to face its Argentine counterpart next Tuesday, July 7th, as part of the Round of 16 of the World Cup.
