Egypt announced its preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 21, dropping Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed despite his prior international experience [1, 2]. Mohamed scored 4 goals in 24 matches this season, but struggled for form as Nantes were relegated from Ligue 1 [1, 2].
Instead, the squad includes uncapped 19-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim, a promising talent playing for Barcelona's under-19 team who has been in great form [1, 2]. Mohamed Salah will captain the team and lead the attack alongside Manchester City's Omar Marmoush [1, 2]. The full preliminary squad lists goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards to compete for 26 FIFA-mandated roster spots [1, 2].
Coach Hossam Hassan must cut one player from this preliminary list after Egypt's last friendly match against Russia in Cairo on May 28 to meet the FIFA 26-player limit [1, 2]. Egypt will also face Brazil on June 6 in Cleveland as part of warm-up friendlies before the tournament [1, 2].
Egypt's World Cup campaign begins on June 20 with a match against Belgium in Seattle, followed by games against New Zealand in Vancouver on June 21 and Iran in Seattle on June 26, all Group G fixtures [1, 2]. The 2026 World Cup will be held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 [1, 2].
Egypt’s final squad decision will come after the May 28 friendly, as Coach Hassan aligns the team ahead of the high-profile tournament.