Egypt Back Mohamed Salah To Lead Charge At FIFA World Cup 2026

Mohamed Salah is on course to captain Egypt at the FIFA World Cup after earning a place in Hossam Hassan’s preliminary 27-man squad for the tournament in North America.

The 33-year-old forward remains Egypt’s biggest figure heading into the competition. His inclusion ended days of speculation surrounding his international future as uncertainty continues over his Liverpool career beyond this season. Salah has struck 67 goals in 115 appearances for his country and still carries enormous weight inside the national setup.

Egypt supporters had waited anxiously for the announcement. When the squad finally dropped, Salah’s name sat right at the centre of it.

Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush also made the cut, while 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim earned a surprise call-up after impressing with Barcelona’s Under-19 side. The teenager has yet to play senior football for Egypt, yet the coaching staff clearly believe his pace and movement could offer something different.

Hassan Faces Final Squad Decision

Head coach Hossam Hassan still has one major call to make. Egypt must reduce the group to 26 players after their friendly against Russia in Cairo on May 28.

That decision could become difficult, especially in attack. Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed was left out entirely, a move that sparked debate among supporters. Some expected him to travel given Egypt’s need for depth up front. To be fair, Hassan appears focused on mobility and quick transitions rather than physical presence alone.

The build-up schedule looks demanding too. Egypt face Brazil in Cleveland on June 6 before opening their FIFA World Cup campaign against Belgium on June 15. Matches against New Zealand and Iran follow later in the group stage.

Egypt Squad For FIFA World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna), Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), El Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek).

Defenders: Karim Hafez (Pyramids), Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Mohamed Abdelmonemn (Nice), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Tarek Alaa (Zed).

Midfielders: Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjaelland), Ahmed Zizo (Al Ahly), Mahmoud Saber (Zed), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Haissem Hassan (Real Ovideo), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Mostafa Ziko (Pyramids), Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly), Nabil Emad (Al Najma), Marwan Ateya (Al Ahly).

Forwards: Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona), Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool).

The pressure will land heavily on Salah once again. You could feel the expectation building the moment the squad list emerged. Egypt have not reached the knockout rounds of a World Cup since 1934, and supporters believe this generation has enough quality to finally shift that record.

The Mohamed Salah Egypt squad announcement has already changed the mood around the team. And with the FIFA World Cup 2026 drawing closer, Egypt suddenly look far more dangerous than many expected.