Hossam Hassan is reportedly continuing in his role as Egypt head coach despite his contract having expired, creating a surprising situation just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The revelation was made by Tharwat Sweilem, First Deputy Chairman of the Youth and Sports Committee in the Egyptian Parliament, following a high-level meeting on the national team’s preparations.
Contract Expired, But Commitment Remains
According to Sweilem, the coach confirmed during the session that his agreement with the Egyptian Football Association ended in February, yet he has continued working without a formal deal.
“He said his contract ended in February and that he is now working without a contract, but remains fully committed to continuing his job.”
High-Level Meeting Raises Questions
The parliamentary session brought together key figures, including:
- Gawhar Nabil
- Hani Abu Rida
- Hossam Hassan
Discussions focused heavily on ensuring proper preparation for the World Cup, but the contract situation quickly became a major talking point.
Sweilem admitted the situation raised eyebrows:
The lack of renewal was described as unusual given the importance of the national team.
“The National Team Is His Life”
Despite the uncertainty, Hossam Hassan reportedly expressed deep emotional commitment to the role.
He described the national team as “his life,” underlining his determination to continue regardless of contractual issues.
No Immediate Change Expected
For now, there appears to be no plan to replace him, with stability seen as crucial ahead of the global tournament.
Egypt will compete in Group G at the World Cup alongside:
- Belgium national football team
- New Zealand national football team
- Iran national football team
A Risky Situation at a Crucial Time
While continuity may be the priority, the lack of a formal contract introduces uncertainty at a critical stage of preparation.
For the Egypt national football team, the focus remains on performance but behind the scenes,
a key question lingers: why is a World Cup coach operating without a contract?
