Mohamed Salah (right) is set to once again lead the Egyptian national team at the 2026 World Cup.
Mohamed Salah has been confirmed to captain Egypt at the 2026 World Cup, while an emerging 18-year-old prodigy promises to make waves on the global stage.
Head coach Hossam Hassan has named a 26-man squad for the North American tournament, officially announced by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) on Friday, 29 May 2026.
Salah remains the cornerstone of Egypt’s attack at the 2026 World Cup.
This tournament could mark his ‘last dance’ before stepping away from international football’s grandest stage.
The legendary Liverpool forward, who departs Anfield this summer, will be 33 years old during the competition.
Although a 2030 World Cup appearance is not entirely out of reach, maintaining top-level performance at 37 would be a significant challenge.
As a result, Salah is expected to give everything for his nation in his return to the World Cup after Egypt’s absence in Qatar 2022.
Throughout their World Cup history, Egypt have never secured a victory in their three previous appearances.
The Pharaohs’ best results came in 1990, when they managed two draws but failed to progress beyond the group stage.
The Pharaohs’ mission to finally claim a World Cup win in 2026 will be backed by a squad full of competitive talent.
Beyond Salah, who is nearing the twilight of his national team career, Egypt also boast Omar Marmoush, who has just completed his first full season with Manchester City.
Another bright spark in a squad largely made up of domestic players is 18-year-old forward Hamza Abdelkarim.
The inclusion of this young striker is notable as he has just earned his first senior call-up at such a tender age.
Abdelkarim made his senior debut on 28 May in a friendly match against Russia.
With Salah approaching the latter stages of his career, Egypt appear to be grooming Abdelkarim as their next big attacking star ready to take flight.
If given playing time in the tournament, the Barcelona B striker could become the youngest Egyptian ever to feature in a World Cup match.
An interesting fact about Abdelkarim is that he began his football journey at Malaysian club Kuala Lumpur FC’s academy in 2016.
He later returned to Egypt to join the youth setup at giants Al Ahly and has been on loan at Barcelona B since February this year.
The 1.85-metre-tall wonderkid earned his place in the final squad after outperforming striker Aqtay Abdullah, who was dropped from the provisional 27-man list.
In a unique move, Egypt have become the first team to include four goalkeepers in their final 2026 World Cup squad.
During the tournament, The Pharaohs will compete in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
