The Egyptian Football Association has dismissed national team head coach Hossam Hassan, ending his tenure just over two years after he took the job. The decision comes amid a series of controversies, with the EFA stating that recent events negatively affected the team’s image and stability.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) announced on Saturday, 7 November 2026, that it had parted ways with coach Hossam Hassan and his technical staff. In its official statement, the association explained the decision came after a review of the events and circumstances witnessed in the recent period, which negatively affected the positive image of the team and its stability.
africasoccer The move was confirmed by multiple sources, including the EFA’s own announcement on social media.egyptianstreets
Hassan’s Tenure Ends Amid Controversy
Hassan, Egypt’s all-time leading scorer as a player, took charge of the national team in February 2024, succeeding Portuguese coach Rui Vitória.egyptianstreets His record included 21 wins, 10 draws, and seven defeats in 38 matches, with the team reaching fourth place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and achieving success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fifa
🚨𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: Hossam Hassan is NO LONGER Egypt’s head coach! ❌🇪🇬 The Egyptian Football Association has announced his departure, citing recent events that negatively affected the national team’s image and stability. pic.twitter.com/ReBuxDPdzs
Despite these on-field achievements, Hassan’s tenure was plagued by a string of off-field disputes. These began at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he criticized the match schedule and the team’s preparation.GOAL The crises continued during the 2026 World Cup in the United States.GOAL
Following Egypt’s 3-2 last-16 defeat to Argentina, Hassan publicly questioned the integrity of the officiating, suggesting FIFA wanted to favor Argentina and Lionel Messi.GOAL He also faced disputes with Mohamed Salah over a substitution.GOAL
Personal life issues further complicated the situation, with public disputes involving Hassan and his former wife attracting significant media attention and leading to intervention from Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation. In early November, the council banned Hassan from appearing in all media outlets.egyptianstreets
Ali Maher Appointed as New Coach
To replace Hassan, the EFA has appointed Ali Maher, the 52-year-old head coach of Ceramica Cleopatra. Maher, who has a wealth of experience in Egyptian football, led his former club to Egyptian League Cup glory in the 2024/2025 season. Fifa The EFA’s statement thanked Hassan for his efforts and wished him success in his future career, while instructing Maher to present his plans for forming a new technical staff.panafricafootball
بيــــان 🗒️🔴 pic.twitter.com/nwqhJ0cxp1
The timing of the coaching change is critical. Egypt is scheduled to play two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Malawi on 13 and 17 November 2026. Hossam Hassan and his brother Ibrahim Hassan will be absent for these matches due to a three-match FIFA suspension they received.africasoccer
The EFA had reportedly been preparing to part ways with Hassan following the two matches against Malawi.africasoccer Ultimately, the decision was announced before those games, with Egypt set to begin a training camp on 9 November.egyptianstreets
During his 38 matches in charge, the Pharaohs scored 64 goals and conceded 33.panafricafootball The EFA confirmed that the board of directors assigned the task of leading the national team to Ali Maher and tasked him with presenting his vision regarding the formation of the assistant technical staff during the next stage.panafricafootball
The association also confirmed that the national team’s interest is its top priority, stressing that maintaining the team’s stability is a key priority that cannot be compromised.panafricafootball The federation called on the Egyptian fans and all supporters of the national team to continue supporting and rallying around the team.panafricafootball The EFA had previously extended Hassan’s contract until 2030.goal
🚨🇪🇬 Official: Hossam Hassan departs as head coach of the Egypt National Team The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) stated that the decision was made after reviewing the recent circumstances and events, citing their "repercussions and negative impact on the positive image… pic.twitter.com/BZOBvNgbyH
Earlier coverage: Hossam Hassan to Call Up 4 New Faces for Egypt's Squad Against Malawi
