The new World Cup format is flawed, and France have the strongest group.
Arab sides will likely exit before the quarter-finals—a familiar headache for Egypt.
Algeria may struggle against Jordan, yet I would not be surprised if both sides advance.
The ideal national coach for the Pharaohs remains a divisive topic, with supporters locked in debate over three squad spots.
Hossam El-Badry is a legend at Al Ahly, and Zizo will shine next season.With experience spanning 12 countries and multiple coaching schools, Portugal’s Nelo Vingada remains one of the most influential figures in Arab football, whether through leading Zamalek to a historic unbeaten Egyptian league title or guiding the Saudi Arabian national team to victory in the 1996 Asian Cup, as well as his major successes with the Portugal youth team, with whom he won the World Cup twice.
In the first part of his exclusive interview with Koora, the 73-year-old Vingada draws on his wealth of experience to discuss his time in Egyptian football and his vision for the future of Arab national teams at the 2026 World Cup.
The former technical director of the Egyptian Football Association also gives his take on the Pharaohs’ prospects under Hossam Hassan, reviews the national coach’s record, and recounts the behind-the-scenes story of Carlos Queiroz’s appointment in 2021.
The veteran coach, who has also led the Jordan national team and Morocco’s Wydad, discusses the future of Arab football, names the Arab side best placed to shine at the World Cup, and shares his thoughts on Hossam El-Badry’s potential return to Al Ahly and the prospects of Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” following recent controversy. Here is the first part of the interview:
