Aliou Cissé close to being named head coach of Libya national team

Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé is on the verge of becoming the new head coach of the Libya national football team, with negotiations reaching their final stages.

Agreement Details

Fawzi Jaouda, the first vice president of the Libyan Football Federation, confirmed in an interview with Wasat TV that an agreement with Cissé is nearly complete. The contract is expected to run for two years, with an option for extension if Libya qualifies for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. However, Jaouda clarified that the renewal will not be linked to Libya’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that such a condition would be unfair.

Cissé’s Role and Staff

Cissé will not only lead the senior national team but will also oversee Libya’s U-23, U-20, and U-17 squads. He will bring at least an assistant coach, a fitness coach, and a goalkeeping coach to his technical staff.

Libya’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign

Libya is currently competing in Group D of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The team sits in second place with seven points, level with Cape Verde but ahead on goal difference. Cameroon leads the group with eight points, while Angola follows in fourth with six points, and Mauritius sits in fifth with four points.

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Group D Table (through 4 matches)

Cissé’s Coaching Record

Cissé’s last coaching role was with the Senegal national team, where he served from 2015 to 2024. During his tenure, he managed 102 matches, securing:

Aliou Cissé’s only trophy achieved was Senegal’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022.