In a dramatic turnaround just months after a historic World Cup run, the Egyptian Football Association has sacked head coach Hossam Hassan and appointed Ali Maher as the new boss of the senior Men’s National Team.
The decision, announced on November 7, 2026, ends Hassan’s tenure amid a storm of personal controversies that the EFA said damaged the team’s image and stability.
Hassan, Egypt’s all-time leading goalscorer and a national legend, took charge in February 2024. He guided the Pharaohs to fourth place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and, more impressively, to the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—Egypt’s deepest run in decades.
Under him the team notched its first World Cup victory (against New Zealand) and advanced past Australia on penalties before a narrow 3-2 loss to Argentina. His record stood at 21 wins, 10 draws and seven losses from 38 matches. The EFA had even extended his contract until 2030 after the tournament.
Yet off-field issues rapidly overshadowed those achievements. Public disputes involving Hassan’s marital life and former wives spilled into the media, prompting Egypt’s Supreme Council for Media Regulation to ban him from all media appearances in early November. Reports detailed legal complaints and allegations that dominated headlines.
The EFA cited the “negative impact on the positive image and stability” of the national team as the reason for parting ways with Hassan and his entire technical and administrative staff. A three-match FIFA ban for criticising referees after the Argentina defeat added further pressure.
Ali Maher, 52, steps in immediately. The former Egypt and Al Ahly forward arrives after a successful spell at Ceramica Cleopatra and previous roles at Smouha, ENPPI, Al Masry and Modern Sport. He has already named his coaching staff, including Mohamed Abdel-Karim as general coach, Bassem Ali as assistant, Mostafa Fathy as goalkeeping coach, and performance analysts plus fitness specialists.
The new-look Pharaohs held their first training sessions under Maher this week at the National Teams Centre, with overseas stars including Mohamed Salah expected to link up quickly.
Egypt’s next matches offer Maher an immediate chance to stamp his authority. The team hosts Malawi on November 13 at Cairo International Stadium (kick-off 21:00 local time) before travelling for the return fixture on November 17 at Bingu International Stadium in Lilongwe.
Both games form Matchdays 3 and 4 of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Group B, where Egypt currently sit top with four points after a 0-0 draw with Angola and a 5-0 win over South Sudan. A strong double-header would solidify their path toward the continental finals.
Fans and the EFA are urging unity behind the new setup. With Salah, Omar Marmoush and returning names like Mohamed El Shenawy and Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan in the mix, Maher’s Pharaohs aim to restore focus and push for AFCON 2027 glory. The rapid change marks a clear reset for Egyptian football after a turbulent few weeks.
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