Salah headlines Egypt’s World Cup preparations as Hossam Hassan unveils preliminary squad
Egypt have officially begun preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with captain Mohamed Salah once again expected to carry the hopes of a football-mad nation after coach Hossam Hassan unveiled a preliminary 27-man squad for the global tournament.
While the inclusion of the Liverpool superstar came as no surprise, the biggest talking point surrounding the Pharaohs squad was the emergence of teenage Barcelona prospect Hamza Abdel Karim, whose selection has injected excitement into Egypt’s World Cup preparations.
The 18-year-old attacking talent is viewed as one of the country’s brightest young prospects and could become one of the breakout stars of the tournament if he survives the final squad cut.
However, there was also a major omission.
FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed was left out of the preliminary squad in a decision that has already generated significant debate among Egyptian supporters ahead of the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Hossam Hassan announced the squad on Wednesday, 20 May, with Egypt set to enter a preparatory training camp at the National Teams Centre on Thursday as the Pharaohs intensify their countdown to the expanded 48-team World Cup.
The preliminary list will eventually be reduced to FIFA’s required 26-man squad following Egypt’s international friendly against Russia on 28 May.
Egypt’s preparations will conclude with a glamour clash against Brazil on 6 June in Ohio, USA — a fixture expected to provide a major test of the team’s readiness before the start of the competition.
The Egyptian technical staff are expected to use both friendlies to assess the physical condition of the squad, experiment tactically and finalise combinations ahead of the tournament.
For Egypt, the 2026 World Cup represents another opportunity to restore their standing on the global stage after years of mixed fortunes internationally.
The Pharaohs were drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand in what many observers consider one of the tournament’s more balanced groups.
Belgium are widely viewed as favourites to top the section, but Egypt’s supporters believe the presence of Salah, combined with growing squad depth and experience, gives the North Africans a realistic opportunity to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
Hossam Hassan, one of the most iconic figures in Egyptian football history, now carries the responsibility of guiding the seven-time African champions through one of the biggest moments in modern Egyptian football.
The former striker has repeatedly stressed the importance of building a competitive and fearless team capable of competing with the world’s best nations.
Much of the spotlight, however, will inevitably remain on Salah.
The Liverpool forward remains Egypt’s undisputed leader and enters the tournament expected to spearhead the country’s attack once again. His experience, leadership and goalscoring ability are seen as central to Egypt’s ambitions of progressing deep into the competition.
Yet the inclusion of younger talents such as Hamza Abdel Karim also signals Egypt’s desire to blend experience with a new generation eager to announce itself on the world stage.
With preparations now entering their decisive phase, excitement is steadily building across Egypt as the Pharaohs attempt to prepare for what they hope will become one of the country’s most memorable World Cup campaigns.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shennawy, Mostafa Shobeir, El Mahdy Soliman, Mohamed Alaa
Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Tarek Alaa, Hamdi Fathi, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim
Hossam Abdelmaguid, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ahmed Fattouh, Karim Hafez
Midfielders: Marwan Attia, Mohannad Lasheen, Nabil Emad Dunga, Mahmoud Saber
Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Emam Ashour, Mostafa Ziko, Ibrahim Adel,
Haitham Hassan, Mohamed Salah
Forwards: Omar Marmoush, Aktay Abdullah, Hamza Abdel Karim