Egypt Extends Contract with Manager Hossam Hassan Following Narrow Defeat to Argentina

Egypt, which saw its run to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America cut short after a comeback loss to defending champion Argentina, has extended the contract of national team manager Hossam Hassan (59).

The Egyptian Football Association announced that its board of directors approved the contract extension for Hassan today (July 9).

The association added, "This reflects the board's commitment to completing the national team's technical project and further building upon the historic achievements Egyptian football has attained over the past period," stating that "the contract approval and renewal process will be finalized at the next meeting once the national team returns home."

Local media reported that Hassan's new contract will run until 2030.

The Egyptian Football Association also decided to extend the contract of Ibrahim Hassan, the national team director and Hossam Hassan's twin brother.

Hassan, a legendary figure in Egyptian football who was a striker during his playing days, took the helm of the national team in February 2024.

He led Egypt to the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Under Hassan's leadership, Egypt secured its first-ever World Cup victory by defeating New Zealand 3-1 in the second match of Group G during the group stage of this North American World Cup.

They subsequently achieved their first-ever tournament win in the competition's history by defeating Australia in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32.

However, in the Round of 16 match held on July 8, they were eliminated from the tournament after taking a 2-0 lead against Argentina, the winner of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, only to concede three consecutive goals and lose 2-3.

The Egyptian squad, including manager Hassan, who received a yellow card for protesting a referee's decision during the match, expressed strong dissatisfaction, claiming that the game was not managed fairly.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.