Egypt Coach Hassan Deflects Pride Match Controversy: 'We Are Focused on Football'

Egypt are focused on football ahead of their FIFA World Cup match against Iran, designated as Seattle's 'Pride Match', coach Hossam Hassan said on Thursday.

Both Egypt and Iran, where homosexuality is criminalized, objected to the match's theme after the draw. However, FIFA has confirmed that fans may bring rainbow flags to the stadium.

Hassan deflected questions about the Pride celebrations, stating, "We are concerned with football on the pitch. We respect fair play and all guidelines set forth by FIFA."

He also declined to comment on Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei's remarks about travel restrictions.

The Egyptian hopes are pinned on captain Mohamed Salah, who is one goal shy of becoming the country's joint-record goalscorer-a record held by Hassan himself. Salah is thriving in a new central role, which Hassan described as "a new version of Mo Salah" playing with freedom and creativity.