Mo Salah headlines Egypt's FIFA World Cup preliminary squad
Cairo, May 21
Ahead of the nation's final training camp this month, the Egyptian Football Association has announced a preliminary 27-player squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with coach Hossam Hassan's selection highlighting a core group of ever-present stars, including Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet, and Mohamed Abdelmonem.
Of the 27 players from the preliminary squad, only 26 players are to be selected after the friendly match against Russia scheduled for May 28, as part of the preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which is scheduled to start on June 11.
The squad also contained some surprises, most notably the absence of Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed, as well as the omission of Zamalek players Mohamed Shehata and Nasser Mansi.
Coach Abdelmonem also named five potential debutants among his selection, including highly-rated teenage forward Hamza Abdelkareem, who is on loan at Barcelona B, as well as ENPPI forward Aqtay Abdullah.
Egypt are preparing to take part in the World Cup for the fourth time in their history. They are in Group G and will face Belgium (June 15), New Zealand (June 22), and Iran (June 27).
Egypt's record at the FIFA World Cup has been modest, as the national team have struggled to translate their continental success onto the global stage. Across three appearances, Egypt have played seven matches, losing five and drawing two.
Salah is set to represent Egypt at the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada following the conclusion of his iconic Liverpool career at the end of the club campaign.
Despite a glittering club career filled with trophies and individual awards in England and across Europe, Salah's relationship with silverware at the international level remains incomplete. While Egypt are Africa's most successful nation with seven continental titles, Salah has never lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
Egypt squad:
Goalkeepers: Mohamed Alaa, Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, El Mahdy Soliman
Defenders: Hossam Abdelmagid, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Tarek Alaa, Ahmed Fatouh, Karim Hafez, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Rami Rabia
Midfielders: Emam Ashour, Marwan Attia, Nabil Emad, Hamdi Fathi, Haitham Hassan, Mohannad Lashin, Mahmoud Saber, Mahmoud Hassan, Mostafa Zico, Ahmed Sayed
Forwards: Aqtay Abdullah, Hamza Abdulkarim, Ibrahim Adel, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian who watches African football, I feel Egypt's WC record is quite disappointing considering their AFCON dominance. Salah deserves a World Cup win, but Group G with Belgium is very tough. The friendly against Russia will be a good test for them. Hope the young guns like Hamza Abdelkareem get some game time!
Good to see Trezeguet in the squad. He was crucial in their 2018 campaign. But honestly, Egypt's defense looks average compared to Belgium's attack. The Iran game will be their best chance for points. Salah-Trezeguet-Marmoush attacking trio is 🔥 but they need midfield support.
Egypt vs Iran will be interesting - two Middle Eastern giants! Salah is a football God but these WC campaigns always fall short. The squad depth is concerning. Only 4 forwards named and dropping Mostafa Mohamed seems like a gamble. Let's see if Hossam Hassan's experience translates to results.
Respect to Salah for making it to WC 2026 after such a long Liverpool career. But Egypt's record of 5 losses in 7 WC matches is heartbreaking. The defence needs to step up big time against Belgium. Also, Hamza Abdelkareem on loan at Barcelona B... exciting prospect! Hope he delivers.
I think Egypt might surprise everyone. They have a solid core of players who have performed in big European leagues. Yes, Belgium is strong but anything can happen in football. The friendly against Russia will show if they can handle physical teams. India should take notes from Egypt's football development!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.