Hassan: Egypt's AFCON Campaign "Good Preparation" for the World Cup

CASABLANCA – Despite the disappointment of missing out on a record-extending eighth continental title, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan remains steadfast in his belief that the Pharaohs' journey through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has provided the perfect litmus test ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's bronze-medal clash against Nigeria, the legendary striker-turned-manager reflected on a tournament that saw Egypt navigate grueling knockout matches against the continent's elite.

"A Necessary Experience"

"It has been very good preparation for us," Hassan told reporters in Casablanca. "We’ve tried several systems of play throughout the tournament and played against different types of opponents. While we came close to the final, the experience gained here is invaluable for what comes next."

Egypt’s path to the semi-finals was anything but easy. After a resilient showing in the group stages, the Pharaohs were pushed to the limit, requiring extra time to overcome Benin in the Round of 16 before producing a vintage performance to knock out defending champions Côte d'Ivoire in a 3-2 thriller. Although a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal in the semi-finals ended their title hopes, Hassan insists the "ferocious" level of competition in Morocco has hardened his squad.

Tactical Evolution and Global Ambition

Hassan noted that the tournament allowed the coaching staff to refine tactics—transitioning between a traditional 4-3-3 and a more compact 4-3-1-2 that saw Emam Ashour supporting the attacking duo of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

"Competing at this level prepares us for the World Cup's varied challenges," Hassan stated. "In the World Cup, we face Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran. Each requires a different tactical approach, and AFCON has shown us how to adapt under high-pressure, tournament conditions."

The "European" Factor

A key takeaway for Hassan was the physical and tactical gap often bridged by players based in Europe's top leagues. With only three players in the 28-man squad currently playing in Europe—Salah (Liverpool), Marmoush (Manchester City), and Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes)—Hassan emphasized the need for more Egyptian talent to move abroad to increase the squad's "tactical acumen."

"Players based in Europe gain a different physical edge and tactical discipline. We need that added value to compete with the world's best," he explained.

Looking Toward 2026

Egypt has already secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup after a dominant qualifying campaign, but the national obsession remains more than just participation. The Pharaohs have never won a match at a World Cup finals, a statistic Hassan is desperate to change.

"Our goal is not just to be there, but to show a better face for Egyptian football," Hassan concluded. "The fans are sad about the semi-final, but they can see we have a strong team. We are building a bridge from this AFCON straight to the World Cup stage."

Egypt will conclude their AFCON campaign on Saturday at the Stade Mohammed V, seeking a podium finish against Nigeria before shifting their full focus to their World Cup opener against Belgium in June.

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