Salah to Lead Egypt at World Cup 2026 as Surprise Teen Barca Star Makes Squad Cut
Last update: May 21, 2026
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Egypt are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with big names, bold decisions, and a few shocks — and all eyes are firmly on Mohamed Salah once again as captain.
Egypt have officially unveiled their preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and as expected, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah will wear the captain’s armband as they prepare for football’s biggest stage.
The squad announcement, made by head coach Hossam Hassan, also confirmed a mouth-watering attacking partnership between Salah and Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, who are expected to lead Egypt’s charge in the United States, Canada and Mexico between June 11 and July 19.
But there were a few talking points too — and one of the biggest was the omission of Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed, who misses out despite being part of previous setups. His form has dipped this season, with just four goals in 24 appearances as Nantes suffered relegation from Ligue 1.
In contrast, excitement is building around uncapped teenager Hamza Abdelkarim, who has earned a surprise call-up after impressing for Barcelona’s U19 side. The youngster is seen as one of Egypt’s brightest emerging attacking talents.
However, the final squad is still not settled. One player will be cut later to bring the group down to FIFA’s mandatory 26-man limit, following Egypt’s final home friendly against Russia in Cairo on May 28.
Before the tournament kicks off, Egypt will face Brazil in a high-profile warm-up match in Cleveland on June 6. They’ll then open their World Cup campaign against Belgium in Seattle nine days later.
Their Group G journey continues with matches against New Zealand in Vancouver on June 21, before they return to Seattle to wrap up their group stage against Iran on June 26.
The full preliminary squad features a mix of domestic stars and Europe-based talent:
Goalkeepers include Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), and Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna).
Defence options include Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Tarek Alaa (Zed), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek), and Karim Hafez (Pyramids).
In midfield, Egypt have called up 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), and Haissem Hassan (Real Oviedo).
Up front, the attack is spearheaded by Marmoush and Salah, alongside Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi) and Abdelkarim.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, Egypt fans will be hoping this blend of experience, youth, and star power can finally deliver a deep tournament run.
*— Reporting by Mohamed Yossry in Cairo, additional reporting by Ahmed El Khashab and Bassem Zahran, editing by Nick Mulvenney and Peter Rutherford; via cbinews.tv*
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