The Egyptian Football Association has dismissed Hossam Hassan and appointed Ali Maher as head coach of the senior Men’s National Team, just months after the Pharaohs reached the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The change, announced on 7 November 2026, brings Hassan’s tenure to an end after the EFA said personal controversies had harmed the national team’s image and stability.
Hassan, Egypt’s all-time leading goalscorer and a national legend, became head coach in February 2024. He led the team to fourth place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before overseeing Egypt’s best World Cup campaign in decades.
Egypt recorded their first victory at the tournament by beating New Zealand, then progressed past Australia on penalties. Their run ended with a narrow 3-2 defeat by Argentina in the last 16.
Hassan’s record was 21 wins, 10 draws and seven defeats in 38 matches. The EFA had extended his contract until 2030 following the World Cup.
However, disputes linked to Hassan’s marital life and former wives became the focus of widespread media coverage. The Supreme Council for Media Regulation banned him from all media appearances in early November, while reports also referred to legal complaints and allegations surrounding the case.
The EFA said it had decided to end its association with Hassan and his entire technical and administrative staff because of the “negative impact on the positive image and stability” of the national team.
Hassan was also handed a three-match FIFA ban for criticising referees after Egypt’s defeat by Argentina.
Maher, 52, takes charge immediately after a successful period with Ceramica Cleopatra. The former Egypt and Al Ahly forward has also managed Smouha, ENPPI, Al Masry and Modern Sport.
He has appointed Mohamed Abdel-Karim as general coach, Bassem Ali as assistant and Mostafa Fathy as goalkeeping coach, alongside performance analysts and fitness specialists.
The new coaching team has already begun work, with Egypt holding their first training sessions under Maher this week at the National Teams Centre. Overseas-based players, including Mohamed Salah, are expected to join the squad shortly.
Maher’s first matches will come in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Egypt host Malawi at Cairo International Stadium on 13 November, with kick-off at 21:00 local time, before travelling to Lilongwe for the return fixture at Bingu International Stadium on 17 November.
The matches are Matchdays 3 and 4 in Group B. Egypt lead the section with four points after drawing 0-0 with Angola and beating South Sudan 5-0.
The EFA and supporters are calling for unity behind the new management team. Salah, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed El Shenawy and Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan are among the players in contention as Egypt seek to maintain their qualifying position and challenge for AFCON 2027 success.