CAIRO — Egypt’s national football team is entering a decisive phase in its build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Hossam Hassan not hiding his ambition. He is determined to build a squad capable of going toe-to-toe with the world’s best.
Hassan’s preparations are built on a clear principle: there are no shortcuts to success at international level, and the road to the prestigious tournament is shaped by the quality of preparation.
Right now, the Egypt coach is spearheading an intensive build-up centred on high-level friendlies against opponents with different playing styles—an approach designed to raise the players’ level, sharpen their instincts, and get the squad fully ready for the big stage ahead.
For Hassan, progress at international level is non-negotiable without elite opposition, with the belief that players only grow by testing themselves against the very best underpinning Egypt’s current preparation strategy.
Egypt has been drawn in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand.
The tournament will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, across 16 host cities—11 in the USA, two in Canada, and three in Mexico.
National symbol
The national team, for Hassan, is much more than just football. It’s something that brings Egyptians together, whether they’re at home or living abroad. It cuts through local rivalries and carries the responsibility of representing the nation on both continental and world stages.
That bond with the supporters, he noted, is both a source of pride and a pressure—fueling the players’ ambition while raising expectations for every performance.
Preparation blueprint
Speaking during a recent high-profile session of Egypt’s parliamentary Youth and Sports Committee—attended by Sports Minister Gohar Nabil and Egyptian Football Association (EFA) president Hani Abu Rida—Hossam outlined the core pillars of his World Cup preparation plan.
The strategy combines structured training camps, competitive friendlies, and continuous coordination with the Egyptian Football Association—support he has described as vital. Still, Hossam stressed that discipline, focus, and relentless work will be decisive factors in maintaining Egypt’s footballing stature.
The Egypt coach acknowledged that preparations have not been smooth sailing. Friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Spain really pushed the squad.
Heavyweight test
Looking ahead, Egypt faces a high-profile friendly against Brazil on June 6 in Ohio—a fixture widely seen as a major test ahead of the World Cup.
For the Pharaohs, it goes far beyond a routine warm-up. It is a tough test against one of football’s greatest powers, offering a chance to measure progress before the world’s biggest tournament.
The match against Brazil isn’t just a one-off, either. It forms part of a plan to pit Egypt’s squad against top-level opposition.
At this stage, every detail counts as Egypt moves closer to the global stage.
From an administrative perspective, Hani Abu Rida has reiterated the federation’s full commitment to the national team’s success.
The preparation plan also includes an additional friendly against European opposition, alongside a key meeting with the coaching staff scheduled for May 23 to finalise the details of the pre-tournament camp.
African development
Hassan was quick to highlight the transformation of the African game. There’s just not much room for mistakes anymore, and winning takes some serious planning.
He added that African football has become stronger and more developed, and that it is no longer easy to achieve results without great effort and comprehensive preparation.
He clarified that luck had nothing to do with Egypt’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals in Morocco. It all came down to teamwork and having a well-rounded team that included both domestic players and elite players from foreign leagues.
At the heart of the team is a core group of seasoned players who know how to step up when it matters most. Mohamed Salah, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, Omar Marmoush, and Mostafa Mohamed all bring a crucial mix of experience, skill, and leadership.
Eyes on future
With the World Cup getting closer, the team is all-in—tactics, fitness, even the players’ mentality. No corners are cut. Hassan does not let anything slide. Egypt is not just looking to show up; they are looking to compete.
Abu Rida has expressed full confidence in the squad—he believes they are ready to step up and make Egypt proud.
Egypt’s World Cup history dates back to 1934, followed by 1990 and 2018.
There is a real sense of enthusiasm now that the Hassan twins are in charge of the team. Fans are beginning to dream big—it feels like something special could happen in 2026.
