Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah will lead Egypt's attack at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joined by Manchester City's Omar Marmoush and an unexpected newcomer: 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim from Barcelona's U-19 squad. But the big surprise? Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed has been left out entirely after scoring only four goals all season for the struggling French club.
Egypt's preliminary roster includes 27 players, with one to be cut before the FIFA-mandated 26-man limit. The squad will face Russia in Cairo on May 28 for a final home friendly, then head to the U.S. for a high-stakes tune-up against Brazil in Cleveland on June 6.
The Pharaohs open Group G play against Belgium in Seattle on June 14, followed by matches versus New Zealand in Vancouver and Iran back in Seattle. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Key squad members include veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), defenders Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly) and Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), midfielders Marwan Ateya (Al Ahly) and Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly), alongside young forward Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi).