Egypt Football Association (EFA) board member Mustafa Abu Zahra has put an end to speculation over Hossam Hassan’s future, confirming that the veteran coach will lead the Pharaohs at the 2026 World Cup.
“Hossam Hassan will continue to lead the Egyptian national team,” Abu Zahra said in an interview with On Sport early Sunday morning. He added, “Hossam will be the coach at the 2026 World Cup; there is no reason for discussion.”
Hassan guided Egypt to a fourth-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Pharaohs reached the semifinals but fell 1–0 to Senegal before losing 4–2 on penalties to Nigeria in the third-place playoff after a goalless draw.
Speculation about Hassan’s future had intensified following Moroccan media reports suggesting the EFA might dismiss him and his staff, particularly after controversial comments he made regarding the tournament’s organization. Abu Zahra’s statements, however, have put those reports to rest.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Egypt has been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. The tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
Abu Zahra also outlined Egypt’s preparations for the global tournament, confirming a series of friendly matches to fine-tune the squad. “We will play against Saudi Arabia and Spain in March, a match against Brazil during the June international window, and then face Norway or another team,” he said.
