Mohamed Salah to Captain Egypt at FIFA World Cup 2026
The Road to FIFA World Cup 2026
Egypt's head coach, Hossam Hassan, has announced the preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Liverpool's Mohamed Salah will lead the team as captain, supported by Manchester City's Omar Marmoush.
Squad Selection Highlights
The squad includes some notable inclusions and exclusions. Uncapped teenager Hamza Abdelkarim, who plays for Barcelona's under-19 team, has been included in the squad. On the other hand, Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed has been left out.
The Data Behind the Squad
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - Captain
- Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) - Forward
- Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona U19) - Forward
The Impact of Squad Selection
The selection of Hamza Abdelkarim and exclusion of Mostafa Mohamed reflect the team's strategy to blend experience with youth. Mostafa Mohamed's omission is notable, given his recent form struggles with Nantes.
The Road Ahead
Egypt will play friendly matches against Russia and Brazil before heading to the World Cup. Their campaign begins against Belgium in Seattle on June 15, followed by matches against New Zealand, and Iran.
Egypt's Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna)
Defenders: Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Tarek Alaa (Zed), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonemn (Nice), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek), Karim Hafez (Pyramids)
Midfielders: Marwan Ateya (Al Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Nabil Emad (Al Najma), Mahmoud Saber (Zed), Ahmed Zizo (Al Ahly), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Mostafa Ziko (Pyramids), Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjaelland), Haissem Hassan (Real Ovideo)
Forwards: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona U19)