Egypt head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with genuine hope of making history. The Pharaohs have qualified with confidence, possess a settled squad and are led by one of the greatest players Africa has ever produced, Mohamed Salah. While Egypt have appeared at the World Cup on several occasions, they have never progressed beyond the group stage. This tournament presents another opportunity to change that record.
Flexible system under Hossam Hassan
Head coach Hossam Hassan has built a side capable of adapting to different opponents. Egypt are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, though they can switch shapes when required. The team combines defensive stability with attacking pace, allowing them to remain competitive against stronger nations while also taking the initiative against evenly matched opponents.
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Veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy remains an important presence at the back, while defenders such as Rami Rabia and Hossam Abdelmaguid provide experience and composure. Hassan has worked to make the team more organised and disciplined, qualities that will be crucial during a demanding World Cup campaign.
Salah and Marmoush carry Egypt’s hopes
As always, much of Egypt’s attention will be on Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool forward remains the face of Egyptian football and will be expected to inspire the team on the biggest stage. However, Egypt are no longer dependent on a single star.
Omar Marmoush has emerged as a major attacking weapon and gives the side another source of creativity and goals. His pace and direct style complement Salah’s quality, creating a dangerous partnership capable of troubling any defense.
Mo Salah got the loudest cheers of the night when he was shown on TV during the Brazil 🇧🇷 vs Egypt 🇪🇬 friendly pic.twitter.com/29IqDe62gv
— World Cup 2026 Daily (@TotalFootball) June 7, 2026
Egypt have been drawn alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand in Group G. Belgium are expected to be the toughest challenge, but Egypt will believe they have a realistic chance of competing for a place in the knockout rounds.
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The squad enters the tournament with confidence and ambition. With an experienced coach, a balanced team and two standout attackers leading the charge, Egypt will hope the 2026 World Cup becomes a landmark moment in the nation’s football history. Reaching the last 16 would represent a historic achievement and a reward for years of progress on the international stage.
Egypt's World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers
Mohamed Alaa Mohamed El Shenawy Mostafa Shobeir El Mahdy Soliman
Defenders
Hossam Abdelmagid Mohamed Abdelmonem Tarek Alaa Ahmed Fatouh Karim Hafez Mohamed Hany Yasser Ibrahim Rami Rabia
Midfielders
Emam Ashour Marwan Attia Nabil Emad Hamdi Fathi Haitham Hassan Mohannad Lashin Mahmoud Saber Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet" Mostafa Zico Ahmed Sayed "Zizo"
Forwards
Hamza Abdulkarim Ibrahim Adel Omar Marmoush Mohamed Salah
