Ibrahim Hassan, the director of the Egyptian national team, praised the spirit shown by the Pharaohs' players during their journey in the 2026 World Cup, revealing details of Mohamed Salah's injury and how his brother, coach Hossam Hassan, prepares for matches.

The Pharaohs reached the round of 16 of the World Cup on Friday, defeating Australia on penalties (4-2) after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time, setting up a meeting with Argentina, who beat Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time.

Ibrahim Hassan said during a phone interview with journalist Ahmed Moussa on the show 'Ala Mas'uliyati' on Sada El-Balad channel: 'When Salah came out of the match against Iran, he had an injury, and a lot of effort was made to make him play against Australia... Salah's injury normally takes at least 10 days.'

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He added: 'Hossam studies and prepares for each match as if it were an exam. Hossam studies every team and makes players know everything about the opponent, that's why you see players know everything. Also, Hossam gives the players full confidence, and from the first day, the players told Hossam: We don't want to go home, we're staying here.'

The former Pharaohs right-back continued: 'We tell the players: play and do your best, we don't know if we will play another World Cup or not, we don't know how many World Cups we have left. Haitham Hassan played a great match yesterday, and he was ready to participate, and he is brought in according to match conditions.'

Regarding the upcoming confrontation with Argentina led by legend Lionel Messi next Tuesday, Ibrahim Hassan said: 'We don't see Messi. We tell the players: go out and play, don't look at who you are playing against. They have Messi, and we in Egypt have Mohamed Salah and 26 Messis, and God willing, He will honor us.'