Hossam Hassan officially confirmed Egypt’s 26-man FIFA World Cup 2026 squad following the Pharaohs’ final warm-up match against Russia on May 28, 2026. The announcement ends weeks of speculation, debate, and anxiety — and confirms that Egypt’s greatest ever player, Mohamed Salah, will captain his nation at what is almost certainly his last FIFA World Cup.
Egypt make only their fourth World Cup appearance in history — a statistic that barely seems possible for a football-mad nation of over 100 million people. They have never won a match at the tournament.
They have never advanced beyond the group stage in the modern era. But under legendary head coach Hossam Hassan — himself Egypt’s all-time leading scorer — this squad carries a belief and a quality that their predecessors never quite possessed.
With Salah and Omar Marmoush leading the attack, teenage Barcelona sensation Hamza Abdelkarim providing the X-factor, and an Egypt World Cup 2026 Squad built around the dominant clubs of Egyptian football, the Pharaohs head to Group G with genuine ambitions of making history.
The Pharaohs are ready — and Mohamed Salah is leading them to North America one final time. Here is everything you need to know about Egypt’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad.
Egypt’s Final 26-Man Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Hossam Hassan’s complete, officially confirmed 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
Goalkeepers:
- Mohamed El Shenawy — Al Ahly (Egyptian Premier League)
- Mostafa Shobeir — Al Ahly (Egyptian Premier League)
- El-Mahdi Soliman — Ittihad Alexandria (Egyptian Premier League)
- Mohamed Alaa — Al Ittihad (Egyptian Premier League)
Defenders:
- Mohamed Hany — Al Ahly (Egyptian Premier League)
- Tarek Alaa — ZED FC (Egyptian Premier League)
- Hamdi Fathi — Al Wakrah (Qatar Stars League)
- Ramy Rabia — Al Ahly (Egyptian Premier League)
- Yasser Ibrahim — Al Ahly (Egyptian Premier League)
- Hossam Abdelmaguid — Zamalek (Egyptian Premier League)
- Mohamed Abdelmonem — OGC Nice (Ligue 1)
- Ahmed Fattouh — Zamalek (Egyptian Premier League)
- Karim Hafez — Pyramids FC (Egyptian Premier League)
Midfielders:
- Marwan Attia — Al Ahly (Egyptian Premier League)
- Mohannad Lasheen — Pyramids FC (Egyptian Premier League)
- Nabil Emad Dunga — Al Najma (Bahraini Premier League)
- Mahmoud Saber — ZED FC (Egyptian Premier League)
- Ahmed Sayed Zizo — Zamalek (Egyptian Premier League)
- Mahmoud Trezeguet — Al Ahly (Egyptian Premier League)
- Emam Ashour — Al Ahly (Egyptian Premier League)
- Mostafa Ziko — Pyramids FC (Egyptian Premier League)
- Ibrahim Adel — Nordsjaelland (Danish Superliga)
- Haitham Hassan — Real Oviedo (La Liga Hypermotion, Spain)
- Mohamed Salah — Liverpool (Premier League) — Captain
Forwards:
- Omar Marmoush — Manchester City (Premier League)
- Aktay Abdallah — ENPPI (Egyptian Premier League)
- Hamza Abdelkarim — FC Barcelona B (Spain)
Hossam Hassan: The Legend Who Is Now The Coach
The story behind this Egypt World Cup 2026 Squad announcement is extraordinary — because the man who named it is himself one of the most remarkable figures in Egyptian football history.
Hossam Hassan is Egypt’s all-time leading scorer with 69 international goals, and Mohamed Salah, his captain, sits just two goals behind him on 67. The prospect of Salah surpassing his own coach’s record at this World Cup is one of the most compelling storylines of the entire tournament.
Hassan announced the preliminary 27-man Egypt World Cup 2026 Squad on May 20, with Egypt entering a preparatory training camp at the National Teams Centre in Cairo. The squad was then assessed across two crucial warm-up fixtures — against Russia on May 28, and a glamour friendly against Brazil on June 6 in Ohio, USA — before the final 26 were locked in.
At the press conference, Hassan was clear: the Egypt World Cup 2026 Squad is built around the core group that guided Egypt through qualification, with younger talents given their opportunity alongside proven international performers. His philosophy is direct — trust the players who earned their place, give the emerging generation their chance, and build the best possible team for what Egypt hopes will be their most historic World Cup campaign.
The Big Talking Points: Mostafa Mohamed Le ft Out, Hamza Abdelkarim Included
Every squad announcement has its defining selections — and Egypt’s preliminary squad delivered two that have dominated the conversation.
Mostafa Mohamed: The Controversial Omission
The most talked-about absence is FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed. The powerful centre-forward was a key figure in Egypt’s AFCON 2025 campaign and is considered by many to be one of the most technically complete Egyptian strikers of his generation. Mostafa Mohamed was left out of the preliminary squad in a decision that has already generated significant debate among Egyptian supporters.
Hassan’s reasoning is rooted in his performance-first philosophy. Mostafa Mohamed’s form at club level heading into the World Cup did not meet the standard the coach demanded. The decision may prove correct — or it may haunt Egypt if their attack misfires. Either way, it is the boldest selection call Hossam Hassan has made since taking charge.
Hamza Abdelkarim: The 18-Year-Old Barcelona Sensation
The most exciting inclusion is undoubtedly Hamza Abdelkarim. The 18-year-old attacking talent — playing his club football in Barcelona’s B team system — has been described as one of the brightest young prospects in Egyptian football. His selection has injected excitement into Egypt’s World Cup preparations.
An uncapped teenager making his senior international debut at a World Cup is genuinely rare — and the teenager from Barcelona B’s inclusion in the selection has generated significant buzz. Could be one of the breakout stars of the tournament if he gets his chance. Hossam Hassan clearly sees something extraordinary in this young player — and if Abdelkarim can produce even one moment of magic on the global stage, it could change the conversation around Egyptian football for a generation.
Key Players to Watch at the Egypt World Cup roster 2026
Mohamed Salah — The Captain, The Icon, The Last Dance
There is no greater story at this World Cup than Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool forward is Egypt’s captain, their greatest ever player, and the man on whom the hopes of over 100 million Egyptians rest every time he takes the field.
The 33-year-old superstar sits just 2 goals behind Egypt’s all-time scoring record of 69 — held by his own head coach, Hossam Hassan. Mohamed Salah enters the tournament closing in on one of the biggest milestones in Egyptian football history.
This is almost certainly Salah’s final World Cup. At 37 in 2030, the next tournament would be a step too far. So 2026 represents his last chance to do what he has never done before — lead Egypt to a historic result on the world’s biggest stage.
He has won everything at club level. The Premier League, the Champions League, individual awards beyond counting. But a World Cup group stage victory — something Egypt have never achieved in the modern era — remains out of reach. In North America, Salah goes in search of that final piece.
Omar Marmoush — The Manchester City Finisher
Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush is Egypt’s second attacking star and arguably the most dangerous striker at this World Cup that opponents may be underestimating. After a stunning season in the Premier League — where his goals and assists helped City compete for honours — Marmoush arrives at the tournament in the finest form of his career.
Alongside Salah, Marmoush gives Egypt a frontline that is genuinely capable of troubling any defence in the world. His combination play, clinical finishing, and ability to drop deep and link play makes him the ideal partner for Salah — a relationship built on trust and chemistry forged across multiple international campaigns.
Mahmoud Trezeguet — The Experienced Wide Man
Al Ahly’s Mahmoud Trezeguet brings Premier League experience and technical quality to Egypt’s midfield. The former Aston Villa and Trabzonspor winger has spent years competing at the highest levels of European football and understands exactly what it takes to perform in high-pressure environments.
His ability to cut inside, deliver set-pieces, and create chances from wide areas gives Egypt an attacking dimension that complements Salah and Marmoush perfectly.
Emam Ashour — The Midfield Enforcer
Al Ahly’s Emam Ashour is the engine that makes Egypt tick in midfield. A powerful, dynamic box-to-box midfielder — Ashour combines defensive discipline with the ability to drive forward and contribute in the final third.
His energy and intensity in the press will be central to how Egypt approach games against Belgium and Iran. Ashour has been one of the most consistent performers in Egyptian football over the past two seasons and arrives at this World Cup with genuine confidence.
Mohamed Abdelmonem — The European Defender
OGC Nice’s Mohamed Abdelmonem is the most significant European-based defender in Egypt World Cup 2026 Squad. The Ligue 1 centre-back brings experience of competing weekly against top attacking talent to a backline that is otherwise largely domestic-based. His ability to organise, communicate, and lead the defensive unit will be crucial in high-pressure moments against Belgium’s elite attack.
Hamza Abdelkarim — The Wild Card
The Barcelona prospect is the player every Egyptian fan will want to see given his chance. Young, fearless, and technically gifted — Abdelkarim represents the future of Egyptian football.
Whether Hossam Hassan trusts him with significant minutes is the key selection question of Egypt’s entire tournament — but his inclusion alone signals that this coaching staff believes he is ready to change a game at the highest level.
Haitham Hassan — The Spanish League Surprise
Real Oviedo’s Haitham Hassan is one of the more surprising inclusions — a midfielder competing in Spain’s second tier who has earned his place through consistent performances and a flexibility that gives Hossam Hassan genuine tactical options across the midfield.
His European experience and technical quality add depth to what is otherwise a heavily domestically-based squad.
The Al Ahly and Zamalek Dominance
One of the most striking features of Egypt’s 2026 World Cup squad is the dominance of Cairo’s two great clubs. Al Ahly, Africa’s most successful club, provides the backbone of the squad — with no fewer than nine players drawn from their roster. Zamalek, their fierce rivals, contribute multiple players across all positions.
The reliance on Egyptian domestic players is both a strength and a concern. On the positive side, these players know each other intimately, understand Hossam Hassan’s system perfectly, and arrive at the World Cup with the confidence of having competed at the highest level in Africa’s most competitive league.
The potential concern is whether domestic-based players can adapt quickly enough to the pace and physical demands of a World Cup group stage featuring Belgium and Iran.
The handful of European-based players — Salah, Marmoush, Abdelmonem, Haitham Hassan, Ibrahim Adel — will be expected to bridge that gap and provide the quality and experience that raises the entire collective.
Egypt’s Pre-Tournament Warm-Up: Facing Brazil in Ohio
Egypt’s preparations will conclude with a glamour clash against Brazil on June 6 in Ohio, USA — a fixture expected to provide a major test of the team’s readiness before the start of the competition.
Playing Brazil — the five-time world champions — in the United States just days before the World Cup begins is the ultimate dress rehearsal. The match will reveal exactly how Egypt’s defensive organisation copes against world-class attacking movement, and how Salah and Marmoush perform under maximum intensity against elite opposition. It is the perfect final examination before the tournament begins in earnest.
Prior to the Brazil match, Egypt faced Russia on May 28 — a game used by Hossam Hassan to finalise his 26-man selection and assess the players in his 27-man preliminary group.
When was Salah’s last World Cup?
| World Cup | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia 2018 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Egypt’s Group G Fixtures — FIFA World Cup 2026
Egypt have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand — a challenging but genuinely winnable group:
🇧🇪 Belgium vs 🇪🇬 Egypt — June 15, 2026 | Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington | 3:00 PM ET
🇳🇿 New Zealand vs 🇪🇬 Egypt — June 21, 2026 | BC Place, Vancouver, Canada | 9:00 PM ET
🇪🇬 Egypt vs 🇮🇷 Iran — June 26, 2026 | Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington | 11:00 PM ET
The opener against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle is Egypt’s most daunting immediate challenge. Belgium — ranked among Europe’s elite — possess world-class talent in Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Thibaut Courtois.
For Egypt to progress, they will need at minimum a draw against the Red Devils, a win against New Zealand, and a positive result against Iran.
The match against New Zealand on June 21 in Vancouver is Egypt’s most critical fixture — the game they simply must win to keep their Round of 32 hopes alive. New Zealand are the lowest-ranked team in the group, and Egypt — with Salah and Marmoush in attack — should have the quality to secure three points.
The final group game against Iran could be decisive. Iran, who have appeared at multiple World Cups and possess dangerous attacking talent, are a team Egypt know well from continental competition.
The June 26 clash in Seattle could be a winner-takes-all battle for the second qualifying spot.
Egypt’s World Cup History: Chasing a First Modern-Era Win
Egypt’s World Cup history is one of the sport’s great forgotten stories.
- 1934 (Italy): Egypt became the first African nation ever to compete in a FIFA World Cup — an extraordinary historical achievement. In the format of that era, they entered directly in the Round of 16 and were eliminated by Hungary 4-2.
- 1990 (Italy): Egypt’s return after 56 years. Drawn in a group with England, Ireland, and the Netherlands — they drew all three matches and were eliminated on goal difference. They became the first team in World Cup history to go unbeaten in the group stage and still fail to advance.
- 2018 (Russia): Mohamed Salah’s first World Cup — and a painful one. Egypt were drawn in a group with Uruguay, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, losing all three matches despite Salah’s goal against Uruguay. The tournament came too soon after his shoulder injury in the Champions League final.
Now, in 2026, Egypt make only their fourth ever appearance. The goal is simple and historic — win a World Cup match in the modern era for the first time ever.
Can Egypt Finally Win at a World Cup?
The question is both simple and loaded with history.
Egypt have the most famous player in their nation’s history leading the attack. They have a Premier League Golden Boot-quality striker in Marmoush alongside him. They have a head coach who is their all-time greatest scorer. And they have a generation of players who have grown up watching Salah conquer Europe — and who desperately want to give him the World Cup memory he deserves.
Group G is tough. Belgium are a serious proposition. Iran are experienced and dangerous. But New Zealand — the lowest-ranked team in the group — represent the opportunity Egypt cannot afford to miss. Three points against the All Whites, combined with a point against Belgium or Iran, could be enough to advance.
For Mohamed Salah, this is the last chapter. For Egypt, it is the chance to finally write a new one.
The Pharaohs rise. North America awaits.
When was Egypt’s World Cup 2026 squad officially confirmed?
Hossam Hassan confirmed the final 26-man squad following the warm-up match against Russia on May 28, 2026.
Who is Egypt’s captain at the 2026 World Cup?
Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool forward, captains Egypt at his second and likely final World Cup.
How many goals does Mohamed Salah need to break Egypt’s all-time scoring record?
Salah has 67 international goals — just 2 short of the all-time record of 69 held by his own head coach, Hossam Hassan.
Why was Mostafa Mohamed excluded from the squad?
Mostafa Mohamed was left out of the preliminary squad due to insufficient club form ahead of the tournament — a decision that generated significant debate among Egyptian fans.
Who is Hamza Abdelkarim?
An 18-year-old attacking talent playing for FC Barcelona B — one of Egypt’s most exciting young prospects and an uncapped player who could make his senior debut at the World Cup.
Which group is Egypt in at the 2026 World Cup?
Egypt are in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.
When does Egypt play their first 2026 World Cup match?
Egypt open their campaign against Belgium on June 15, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington (3:00 PM ET).
Has Egypt ever won a match at the FIFA World Cup?
In the modern tournament format, Egypt have never won a group stage match — drawing all three in 1990 and losing all three in 2018. In 1934, they were eliminated in the Round of 16. In 2026, ending that winless run is the target.
