The Egyptian national senior handball team is changing hands. The Egyptian Handball Federation (EHF) has announced that Xavi Pascual will be the new coach, succeeding his compatriot Juan Carlos Pastor. He is the fourth consecutive Spaniard to lead the "Pharaohs" (David Davis, Roberto Garcia Parrondo, Juan Carlos Pastor).

A tremendous experience

The 57-year-old coach boasts a wealth of experience. He previously managed the Romanian men's national team on two separate occasions (2016-2018 and 2021-2024). He spent 12 years in Barcelona, where he won over 60 trophies, including the EHF Men's Champions League three times (2011, 2015, and 2021) and the IHF Men's Club World Championship five times (2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019). Before joining the legendary Hungarian club Veszprém H, he had a stint at Dinamo Bucurest (2021-2024). In Hungary, he won the national title and the IHF Men's Club World Championship in 2024.

According to an announcement by the Egyptian Handball Federation, Pascual has signed a three-year contract, running until 2028. Egypt aims to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

"I am very happy. I find it fantastic to have the opportunity to coach a national team, and I am sure this job will be beneficial for me and for the club. I hope we can collaborate effectively and coordinate our efforts in Veszprém and with the Egyptian national team. I will have an excellent coaching staff who will help me with my professional work during the season and whom I will join during my breaks from the national team. I think I can manage this dual role. We also have Egyptian players in Veszprém, and I am convinced that this work will be fruitful for everyone," said Pascual, according to the official website of Veszprém HC, the reigning IHF Men's Club World Championship champions.

At Veszprém HC, Pascual has four Egyptian players: backcourt players Ali Zein, Yehia Elderaa, Ahmed Hesham, and Ahmed Adel. Attention will immediately turn to upcoming international competitions, as Pascual will make his international debut at the 2026 African Men's Handball Championship in Rwanda.