Ibrahim Hassan unveils vision for Egypt's 2026 World Cup football development
Ibrahim Hassan, manager of the Egypt national team, has revealed a comprehensive vision aimed at developing Egyptian football in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The technical staff has submitted proposals to the Egyptian Football Association regarding the league format and the number of foreign players, aiming to enhance the future of Egyptian football. This development comes as Egypt sits second in the World Cup standings with 5 points from 3 games, scoring 5 goals and conceding 3.
Restructuring the Egyptian Premier League
One of the key proposals is to revert the Egyptian Premier League to an 18-team format, which is expected to increase competition and provide greater technical and organizational stability. Hassan noted that this change will create a better environment for players to excel, especially given the team's strong performance in the World Cup.
Reducing the number of foreign players
Hassan emphasized the need to gradually reduce the number of foreign players to give more opportunities to local talents, particularly in positions facing a clear shortage. He pointed out that the heavy reliance on foreign players has hindered the emergence of Egyptian talents in positions such as right and left full-backs and strikers.
Importance of league regularity
Hassan stressed the importance of adhering to fixed schedules for the start and end of the league season, explaining that regularity has helped players get adequate rest and preparation. He added that cooperation between the technical staff and the clubs' association has led to a system that reduces the pressure of matches, giving clubs and players a better chance to prepare for the new season.
