Egypt’s U-20s return to the world stage with point to prove

Egypt’s Young Pharaohs head to Chile for the U20 World Cup with momentum from a top-four finish at May’s U-20 AFCON in Cairo and the sense of a long-overdue reunion with the global showpiece. 

This is their first FIFA U-20 World Cup since 2013 and, historically, their ninth appearance, with a best of third place in 2001.

Drawn into Group A with hosts Chile, Japan and New Zealand, Egypt open against the Samurai Blue before facing the Kiwis and a potentially decisive finale against the hosts in Santiago. 

Qualification came via a gritty TotalEnergies U20 AFCON campaign on home soil, where Osama Nabih’s side sealed a World Cup ticket by reaching the semi-finals. 

Nabih called that last-four tie a “North African derby” and an “early continental final”, underlining the level his team had to hit to get here.

Tournament pedigree

Egypt are no strangers to this stage.

Their bronze in 2001 remains a landmark, and a generation later the route back has been paved by academy production at Al Ahly, ZED FC and a growing cohort abroad.

The brief in Chile is clear: negotiate a balanced group, reach the last 16, and see how far structure, set-plays and a live goalkeeper can carry them. 

How they play

Egypt’s template is pragmatic: a back four shielded by a ball-winning midfielder, quick wingers to carry counters, and heavy emphasis on rest defence to protect against transitions.

The Young Pharaohs will press in moments—after backward passes or poor touches wide—but are comfortable sinking into two compact lines and playing for territory and dead-ball pressure.

That blend served them during AFCON’s knockout push and should travel well in group play. 

The coach: Osama Nabih

Installed to guide the U-20s through AFCON and Chile 2025, Nabih has leaned on defensive structure, set-piece detail and quick counters.

The former Egypt international, who was an assistant coach at Zamalek before joining the senior national team, took charge of the squad in January.

He made a big impact on the team by managing to steer the team to the U20 World Cup in May during the U20 AFCON.

“Securing a World Cup ticket has given us stability and eased a lot of pressure,” he said before the AFCON semi-final against Morocco.

“We aim to deliver a tournament worthy of Egypt’s name.”

Expect a pragmatic start against Japan and a willingness to tilt the game state through substitutions in wide areas. 

Star player: Abdelmonem Tamer (GK, ZED FC)

Reliable goalkeeping often defines tournament football and Tamer has emerged as Egypt’s calmest presence under the high ball.

His positioning and handling underpin Nabih’s preference for a compact block and fast transitions—attributes that will be essential against Japan’s movement and Chile’s energy. 

One to watch: Selim Taleb (MF, Hertha BSC)

Germany-based Taleb offers line-breaking passes and set-piece delivery that can flip tight group games.

If Egypt need a moment of craft to unlock New Zealand’s shape or to change the tempo versus Chile, he is a likely source. 

Egypt’s Group A matches (Chile 2025)

• Sat 27 Sept – Japan v Egypt, Estadio Nacional, Santiago

• Tue 30 Sept – New Zealand v Egypt, Estadio Nacional, Santiago

• Fri 3 Oct – Chile v Egypt, Estadio Nacional, Santiago