Egypt , under coach Hossam Hassan, 59, is preparing to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, which begin on 11 June.
In a new appearance, the Pharaohs hope to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in their history under the leadership of Hossam Hassan, who is seeking to write a new chapter in Egyptian football history after helping secure qualification for the 1990 World Cup in Italy as a player before taking on a new role as head coach for the 2026 edition.
Egypt's expected appearance at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico is a significant and special occasion for "The Dean", who has naturally become the first Egyptian sporting figure to qualify for and participate in a World Cup as a player before leading the national team as a coach.
He cemented his name for years as a prolific scorer for the team with the most Africa Cup of Nations titles.
Looking back at Hossam Hassan's World Cup qualification story , he scored the famous qualifying goal against Algeria in the continental qualifiers, sending his country to the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
The first leg in Constantine ended in a goalless draw before he secured qualification with Egypt at Cairo Stadium in front of more than 100,000 spectators, thanks to an early header from a pass by teammate Ahmed El-Kass.
Hossam Hassan later featured at the World Cup in Italy and was the first-choice option in the starting line-up.
Despite Egypt's early exit and his inability to find the net, the Egyptian coach returns more than three decades later to lead Egypt to the 2026 finals from the dugout.
He thus becomes only the second Egyptian coach to guide the Pharaohs to a World Cup after the late Mahmoud El-Gohary.
Before them, Scotland's James McCrae led the team in the 1934 edition, while Argentina's Hector Cuper took charge at the 2018 World Cup.
Hossam Hassan remains Egypt's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals after making 177 international appearances between 1985 and 2006.
He enjoyed an extraordinary career that included winning three Africa Cup of Nations titles in 1986, 1998 and 2006.
Egypt enters the 2026 World Cup in a strong group alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, amid high expectations from supporters.
The squad features prominent names, led by former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, who has yet to determine his next destination, as well as Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush. Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here .