Egypt’s Goalkeeping Coach Opens Up: Critics Won’t Define Us as We Chase World Cup 2026

Egypt’s Goalkeeping Coach Says Criticism Was ‘Hard-Fought’

Saafan Al-Saghir, Egypt’s national team goalkeepers coach, said the coaching staff led by the Hassan twins has faced sharp criticism from the start of their tenure, largely due to the successes they achieved with the clubs they’ve coached.

World Cup 2026 Qualification: A Fourth Time Lucky

The Hassan twins steered Egypt to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the Pharaohs’ fourth appearance, after they topped the group with 26 points (8 wins and 2 draws).

It’s Not Personal, It’s Patriotism

Al-Saghir remarked on a radio show: “The national team coaching staff has endured a big war since taking charge, because of the ongoing successes the Hassan brothers achieved with all the clubs they led. Unfortunately, those who attacked us aren’t patriotic.”

Our Aim: Make the People Proud

He added: “From day one our goal was to make the Egyptian people happy, and we will keep working with focus to achieve more milestones for the national team.”

Locker Room Harmony and Future Prospects

The GK coach highlighted the extraordinary harmony among the goalkeepers, saying: “There’s an almost unusual bond among all the national-team keepers, whether Mohamed El-Shenawy or Mustafa Shobier, and they deserve praise. Each of them has the potential to play for Europe’s biggest clubs.”

On Mehdi Suleiman and Upcoming Selections

Regarding Mehdi Suleiman, he stated: “Mehdi Suleiman is a great keeper, and I wish him success. I spoke to him when he moved to Zamalek and told him it’s a good step, but he is likely to face many challenges.”

Al-Saghir also noted that in the coming period a Pyramids goalkeeper, Ahmed El-Shenawy, would join the national squad, stressing: “There’s no issue with Hossam Hassan, and the door to the national team remains open to everyone. Ahmed El-Shenawy is among Egypt’s best keepers and will join soon without problems.”

He added: “Ahmed El-Shenawy will be used in the near term and may start in the friendly tournament in the UAE next month. We work with a team spirit, and the door to the national team stays open for any outstanding player.”

He insisted that Mehdi Suleiman possesses high technical ability, saying: “Mehdi is a distinguished keeper who will be a strong addition to Egypt, but his inclusion will depend on his regular involvement with his club. I told him moving to Zamalek is an important step, but the presence of Mohammed Awwad and Mohammed Sobhi could present him with challenges.”

Egypt Qualifies For World Cup Without a Loss

Egypt wrapped up its CAF qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup with a precious 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau at Cairo International Stadium in the tenth round of Group A, on Sunday.

With the victory, Egypt moved to 26 points from 10 games, boasting eight wins and two draws, undefeated. It marked just the second time Egypt finished World Cup qualifiers without a loss, the first being in 1934 against Palestine.

Egypt topped Group A, ahead of Burkina Faso, who beat Ethiopia 2-1, maintaining second place with 21 points and heading to the playoff.

Khaled Eldrendl: Our Goal Is to Return the National Team to Africa Cup Contention

Khaled Eldrendl, vice president of the Egyptian Football Association, expressed great happiness at the undefeated World Cup qualification.

He said: “Recent victories will have a substantial positive impact on the team, both technically and economically, going forward.”

He emphasized the team’s return to contending for the Africa Cup of Nations and highlighted the importance of stability in the coaching staff and achieving positive results.

Ibrahim Hassan: We Strive to Realize the People’s Ambitions

Ibrahim Hassan, the national team director, voiced pride in the team’s recent results, congratulating the Egyptian people, the staff, and the players for their commendable performance during the qualifiers.

“I congratulate the Egyptian people; the players delivered a commendable performance. We aimed to finish the qualifiers well and continue achieving positive results,” he said.

He added: “We will work diligently in the coming period to prepare for AFCON, with technical stability and physical readiness as two key elements to achieving our goals.”

“We are determined to keep up the same energy and focus to fulfill the fans’ expectations and present a performance worthy of Egypt.”

Ashraf Sobhi: Our Goal Is for Egypt to Be Present in Every World Cup

Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, reaffirmed the state’s full support for the national team in the coming period, which will see the Pharaohs participate in AFCON in Morocco later this year, followed by the World Cup in the United States next summer.

He said: “What has been achieved in Egypt in the last eight years equals what was accomplished in more than seventy years. The New Republic is a true model of development and progress in all fields, including sports.”

He added that Egypt’s presence at the World Cup twice recently reflects the significant development of Egyptian football, adding: “God willing, from now on, Egypt will be present at every World Cup edition, and the Egyptian flag will remain raised at all international forums.”

Punchlines: If this pace continues, even my coffee cup will start chanting for the Pharaohs. And hey, if you doubt it, the trophy might just apply for a visa next time it travels with the team.