Egypt national team head coach Hossam Hassan has stressed that preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup must be a collective effort involving all stakeholders within Egyptian football, rather than resting solely on his shoulders.
Speaking at a press conference, Hassan underlined the importance of unified support as Egypt gears up for the global showpiece, where the Pharaohs will compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand. He noted that the World Cup represents the pinnacle of international football and requires full commitment to ensure a strong showing.
“It’s not just about Hossam Hassan alone; everyone is responsible for the national team appearing in the best possible light, and therefore, we must all cooperate, whether it’s the coaching staff, the Egyptian Football Association, or the Ministry of Youth and Sports,” he said.
Hassan revealed that the national team began its training camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations six days before the official international break, a move aimed at narrowing the preparation gap with their competitors.
He called for similar levels of cooperation and support in the next phase, drawing comparisons with the backing clubs receive when participating in international competitions.
“We must cooperate in the next stage to provide support for the national team. When clubs participate in international tournaments such as the Club World Cup, support is provided to them, and this must happen with the national team,” he added.
The Egypt coach also voiced concern about being judged purely on results without adequate consideration of the surrounding circumstances.
“I say this before participating so that we don’t just watch and then I’m in the line of fire, with everyone asking about the performance without looking for the elements of success,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Hassan confirmed that Egypt will face high-profile opponents including Spain, Brazil and Saudi Arabia in upcoming fixtures, with one final friendly also planned.
He emphasised the need for continuous preparation and regular camps at the Goal Project facility, which he described as fully equipped to host the national team.
