Hussein Abdel Latif leaves Egypt Under-17s role three months before 2026 World Cup

Hussein Abdel Latif has left his position as head coach of Egypt’s Under-17 team, three months before the side is due to compete at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Abdel Latif informed officials at the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) of his decision to depart, with the coach set to take charge of Libya’s Under-17 team, made up of players born in 2010.

A source at the EFA told FilGoal.com: “Hussein Abdel Latif decided to leave his position as coach of the 2009-born national team to take charge of Libya’s 2010-born national team.”

The EFA’s technical director, Shawky Ghareeb, is now searching for a replacement. The association is expected to appoint a new coach within days to ensure preparations for the World Cup can continue.

Abdel Latif’s departure comes after Egypt secured qualification for the tournament by winning the bronze medal at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held in Qatar from 19 November to 13 December. Egypt’s qualification means the team will compete on the global stage after reaching the required position at the continental tournament.

Qatar is scheduled to host five consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, with the competitions taking place annually between 2025 and 2029. Each edition will feature 48 national teams.

Egypt also took part in the previous tournament in 2025, under the management of Ahmed El Kass. They progressed beyond the group stage before being eliminated by Switzerland in the round of 32.

The EFA must now make a quick decision over Abdel Latif’s successor, with the change in coaching staff coming shortly before Egypt’s next appearance at the Under-17 World Cup. The new manager will be tasked with continuing the preparations of the squad that earned its place in Qatar through its bronze-medal finish in Morocco.