Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan says his team will approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup with renewed ambition after being placed in a group he believes offers the Pharaohs a real opportunity to progress. 

Egypt were drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, setting up what appears to be one of Africa’s more balanced routes to the knockout stages.

The seven-time African champions have appeared at the World Cup only three times since 1934, and failed to win a match in their most recent appearance in 2018.

But Hassan, appointed earlier this year, insists his squad has the quality and mentality to surpass past performances and deliver a stronger global showing.

In explaining his outlook, Hassan stressed the ambition he sees within his squad.

“We want to show something positive, especially since we are the team with the most Africa Cup of Nations titles.

“We need to appear in a better way at the World Cup. This is my main goal.”

The former national team legend highlighted the blend of Europe-based stars and high-performing domestic players, arguing that Egypt possess the required experience, profile and ambition to compete against the group’s favourites.

He believes the challenge now is to translate that potential into performances worthy of a nation that has dominated continental football for decades.

Hassan said the players’ hunger — led by Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush — gives Egypt confidence that they can aim higher than previous tournaments.

“I trust my players because their level is very high, whether it’s Mohamed Salah, Marmoush, or the players in the Egyptian league, they have big ambition,” he said.

“But reaching the World Cup is complicated, and playing there is even harder. Still, I see the ambition in the players. They want to achieve more than what Egypt did in past World Cups.

He added that the team’s objective is not merely to participate, but to establish a new benchmark for Egyptian football on the world stage.