Ali Maher Emerges as Leading Candidate for Egypt National Team Job
Ali Maher is reportedly close to taking charge of Egypt’s national football team, with the Ceramica Cleopatra coach expected to replace Hossam Hassan. The Egyptian Football Association is said to have settled on Maher as its preferred candidate, although formal talks and an official announcement are still expected to confirm the details.
According to Egyptian media figure Ibrahim Fayek, federation officials are waiting for Maher to complete Ceramica Cleopatra’s Egypt Cup match against Abu Qir before meeting with him. The discussions are expected to cover the terms of his appointment and the composition of his coaching staff. If an agreement is reached, the move would mark a significant step in Maher’s career and begin a new chapter for the national side.
Talks to focus on coaching staff
Planning for a possible change appears to be under way already. Mohamed Abdelkarim is expected to join Maher’s staff as an assistant, while Football Association board members reportedly want Mohamed Abdelwahed to remain part of the setup. The final structure, however, will depend on the talks between Maher and federation officials.
Building a suitable backroom team will be an important early decision. Egypt’s coach must balance tactical preparation with player management, scouting and coordination with clubs, particularly during busy international windows. A settled staff could help the new manager establish a clear approach before the team’s next competitive fixtures.
Fayek has also reported that Hassan’s departure has already been decided, with an announcement expected later in the day. In a post on his official Facebook page, he wrote: “It’s over… The decision has already been taken and will be announced tonight… Hossam Hassan will not be head coach of the Egypt national team.” Until the Football Association makes its own statement, the reported change remains subject to official confirmation.
A turbulent period for Egypt’s national team
The expected transition follows a difficult spell for the national team and its coaching staff. The Football Association recently urged journalists and supporters to remain calm and avoid escalating tensions, saying that the team’s interests and stability were its main priorities. The appeal reflected the sensitivity surrounding the situation as speculation about Hassan’s future intensified.
Hassan has also faced scrutiny beyond the pitch. The Supreme Council for Media Regulation reportedly banned him from appearing in the media after controversies that attracted attention outside football. The decision added to the pressure surrounding his position at a time when questions were already being asked about the team’s direction.
Another source of tension was a reported disagreement between Hassan and captain Mohamed Salah during the October international break. Salah is one of Egypt’s most influential players, and any dispute involving the national team captain can quickly become a major talking point among supporters. While the details and impact of the disagreement remain part of the wider debate, the episode contributed to uncertainty around the coaching setup.
Why Ali Maher is under consideration
Maher’s reported selection would place a coach with domestic experience at the centre of Egypt’s next rebuilding phase. His work at Ceramica Cleopatra has kept him in the conversation as one of the country’s prominent club managers, and the federation may see him as a candidate capable of bringing fresh energy to the national team.
Taking charge of Egypt would nevertheless be a substantial challenge. A national-team coach has limited time with players, so success depends on quickly setting expectations, choosing a reliable tactical system and making effective use of each training camp. Maher would also need to build trust with senior figures, including Salah, while creating opportunities for younger players to strengthen the squad.
His appointment would not automatically resolve the issues surrounding the team. The federation’s decision-makers will need to provide clarity, while the coaching staff will have to turn that support into consistent performances. For supporters, the key questions will be whether Egypt can improve its organisation, maintain harmony within the squad and deliver results in major competitions.
Hossam El Badry was also linked with the role
Before attention shifted towards Maher, Hossam El Badry had also been mentioned as a possible successor to Hassan. The presence of more than one candidate underlined the importance of the decision for the federation. Choosing a coach involves more than selecting a familiar name: it requires a plan that fits Egypt’s player pool, competitive schedule and long-term ambitions.
Maher is therefore expected to face immediate scrutiny if the move is confirmed. The first test will be whether he can establish a clear identity for the team and maintain stability during a period of transition. Results will matter, but so will the performances that shape confidence among players and fans.
What comes next for Egypt?
Egypt’s schedule includes Africa Cup of Nations qualification, with a fixture against Malawi listed for 14 November 2026. The timing makes the coaching decision especially important: any incoming manager will need to prepare efficiently and communicate a clear plan to the squad, rather than rely on a lengthy settling-in period.
For now, the immediate next step is the reported meeting between Maher and Football Association officials after his Egypt Cup commitment. That discussion is expected to determine whether the two sides can agree on the appointment and the coaching staff. An official announcement would then bring an end to the speculation surrounding Hassan’s position.
Prediction: If the reports prove accurate, Maher will inherit a team with considerable talent but also significant expectations. His early success may depend less on dramatic changes than on restoring calm, defining roles and making the most of limited preparation time. Egypt’s supporters will be watching closely to see whether a new coach can turn a turbulent period into a more stable and competitive future for the national team.
