Iraq deny negotiations with Hossam Hassan over national team job

The Iraqi Football Association has denied reports that it is negotiating with Hossam Hassan to become the new manager of the national team.

Hassan recently left his position as Egypt manager, with Ali Maher appointed as his successor.

Sarmad Abdulilah, deputy president of the Iraqi Football Association, said Hassan would be a strong candidate but insisted no talks were currently taking place.

“Hossam Hassan is an accomplished coach and performed brilliantly with the Egypt national team at the World Cup,” Abdulilah told Iraqi channel I NEWS.

“If he is one of the options being considered, he would be an excellent choice, but I deny that at present.”

Abdulilah was responding to a report by the same channel which claimed Hassan was among three Arab candidates being considered to replace Australian manager Graham Arnold as Iraq boss.

I NEWS said the wider shortlist included German manager Julian Nagelsmann, Argentine coach Sebastian Beccacece, Egypt’s Hossam Hassan, and Moroccan pair Walid Regragui and Jamal Sellami.

The channel described Hassan as the leading Arab option to take charge of Iraq, known as the Lions of Mesopotamia.

The Iraqi Football Association has not confirmed any appointment or negotiations with the former Egypt manager.

Hassan’s departure from Egypt was announced by the Egyptian Football Association, which named Ali Maher as his replacement.

Hassan took charge of Egypt in 2022. During his time in the role, he led the Pharaohs to fourth place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and guided them to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Before becoming Egypt manager, Hassan had also coached Jordan.

At club level, he has managed Zamalek, Al Masry, Egyptian Telecommunications, Smouha, Misr Lel Makkasa and Al Ittihad Alexandria.