Egypt national team head coach Hossam Hassan said the squad is ready for upcoming competitions and urged that captain Mohamed Salah win the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
The endorsement comes as Egypt prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a pivotal moment for the national team under the leadership of a former legend. Hassan, who played in the 1990 World Cup [6], is now leveraging his experience to guide the current generation of players.
Hassan said Salah's leadership and performance are the cornerstone of the team's success. Salah has scored 34 goals in 52 matches for Egypt [1], cementing his role as the team's primary offensive threat.
The coach's confidence is backed by the team's performance in the CAF qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. Egypt finished first in Group A [3] to secure their qualification for the tournament [5].
During the qualifying phase, Egypt won eight of 10 matches and drew two [4]. This run resulted in a +18 goal differential [4], signaling a dominant defensive and offensive balance moving into the global stage.
While the team focuses on the World Cup, Hassan is pushing for international recognition of Salah's individual achievements. The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 22, 2025 [2].
Hassan said the team's readiness is a result of the synergy between the veteran leadership of Salah, and the tactical direction provided by the coaching staff. He believes the current trajectory of the Pharaohs makes them a legitimate contender in the 2026 tournament.
“Egypt finished first in Group A of CAF qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.”
The transition of Hossam Hassan from a 1990 World Cup player to head coach creates a bridge between Egypt's footballing history and its current ambitions. By publicly lobbying for Mohamed Salah's Ballon d’Or win, Hassan is not only supporting a teammate but attempting to elevate the global profile of Egyptian football ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where the team enters with significant momentum from a dominant qualifying campaign.
