Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan discussed his vision for the national team, including winning AFCON and securing World Cup qualification.
Speaking before the upcoming matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Hossam Hassan discussed a host of topics. The national team manager said he believes that it’s time for Mohamed Salah to win the Africa Cup of Nations and praised Omar Marmoush for earning his place at one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Hossam Hassan also discussed the ambitions of the squad and the coaching staff, including winning AFCON 2025 and securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The legendary striker hopes to guide his team to the World Cup, just as he did when he was a player at the 1990 edition of the tournament.
Egypt will compete in AFCON later this year in Morocco, aiming to reclaim a title they last won in 2010. The Pharaohs are also closing in on World Cup qualification, sitting atop their group ahead of crucial matches against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone on March 21th and 25th.
“Winning AFCON 2025 or qualifying for the World Cup? Both are incredibly important,” Hassan stated. “Ending the long wait for an AFCON title would be a fantastic achievement, especially for this exceptional generation of players who deserve it.”
“At the same time, reaching the World Cup and progressing deep into the tournament would be even more remarkable. It would highlight the talent of this team and coaching staff and bring immense joy to Egyptian fans.”
He also stressed his commitment to bringing Egypt back to continental glory.
“We are doing everything to bring AFCON back to Egypt after such a long absence. As a player, I won titles with a great group of stars. Now, as a coach, we qualified for AFCON as group leaders with four wins and two draws. We introduced new faces to prepare for the future, and I hope to win the tournament and bring joy to the Egyptian people.”
When asked to choose between scoring the goal that sent Egypt to the 1990 World Cup and leading the team to the 2026 tournament, Hassan admitted, “It’s a tough question because the ultimate goal is to elevate Egypt’s name on the world stage. Scoring the 1990 qualification goal was historic after a 56-year absence, but qualifying as a coach would be just as special.”
He went on to praise the Mohamed Salah, “It’s time for Salah to lift the AFCON trophy, he deserves it. The competition will be tough, but we have what it takes to win.”
“Mo is an outstanding player, and having him with us is incredible. He leads by example, and the whole team, under his leadership, is committed to achieving the hopes and dreams of Egyptian fans.”
“Having both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush performing at the highest level in world football gives Egypt tremendous strength,” Hassan noted.
“Of course, they will face immense pressure at AFCON, but they have gained the experience and maturity to handle it.”
He was particularly full of praise for Marmoush, who recently moved to Manchester City.
“Marmoush is a special talent. He has worked tirelessly throughout his career in Europe and fully earned his move to one of the world’s biggest clubs. I’m confident he will succeed in the coming period, his hat-trick against Newcastle gave him a massive confidence boost.”
When he was asked about Salah’s future if the forward decides not to renew his contract with Liverpool beyond this seas, Hassan backed the national team captain in whatever decision he makes.
“I will support Salah in whatever path he chooses. I know it’s not an easy situation, but he is an incredible player and will handle it well. I wish him success wherever he goes, he is a great representative for Egypt and Egyptians.”
As Salah nears Hassan’s all-time record as Egypt’s top scorer, he noted, “I wish him all the best in surpassing my record, it only benefits the national team. The more he achieves, the better for Egypt, and that makes me happy.”
Hossam Hassan currently holds Egypt’s all-time scoring record with 68 goals, while Salah stands at 57, closing in on his coach’s historic tally.
With six rounds of games remaining, Egypt leads African World Cup qualifying Group A with four points. A win in the two upcoming matches against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone would put Egypt in a commanding position for their fourth World Cup appearance.