Mohamed Salah is expected to lead Egypt at the World Cup 2026 after being included in the country’s preliminary squad for the tournament. The Liverpool forward remains Egypt’s most influential player and is set to play a key role as the Pharaohs prepare for a challenging group-stage campaign.
Egypt have named a 27-man preliminary squad, which will later be reduced to 26 players in line with FIFA’s final squad rules. Head coach Hossam Hassan is expected to make the final cut after Egypt’s upcoming friendly against Russia in Cairo on 28 May.
Salah Set to Captain Egypt
Salah has been Egypt captain since 2019 and continues to be the biggest name in the national team. The 33-year-old forward has scored 67 goals in 115 appearances for Egypt, making him one of the country’s most important players in recent football history.
His leadership will be vital for Egypt at the World Cup, especially in a group that includes Belgium, New Zealand and Iran. Salah’s experience at club and international level gives Egypt a major boost as they prepare for the expanded tournament in North America.
The forward is also entering a significant stage of his club career, with reports saying he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years with the Premier League side.
Omar Marmoush Included in Attack
Salah is joined in the squad by Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush, who adds pace and attacking quality to Egypt’s forward line. Marmoush has become an important player for the national team and could be a key support option for Salah during the tournament.
Egypt will need strong performances from their attacking players if they want to progress from Group G. With Salah and Marmoush both included, Hossam Hassan has experienced options capable of creating problems for opposition defences.
Young Forward Hamza Abdelkarim Gets Call-Up
One of the most interesting names in the squad is Hamza Abdelkarim. The 18-year-old forward, who plays for Barcelona Under-19s, has been included despite being uncapped at senior international level.
His selection shows that Hossam Hassan is willing to give young talent an opportunity ahead of the World Cup. Abdelkarim will now have a chance to impress during Egypt’s preparations and push for a place in the final 26-man squad.
Mostafa Mohamed Left Out
Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed has not been included in Egypt’s preliminary World Cup squad. His absence is one of the main talking points from the announcement, as he has previously been part of Egypt’s attacking setup.
With only one player set to be removed from the current squad, the competition for places remains tight. The friendly against Russia could help decide which player misses out on the final list.
Egypt’s World Cup 2026 Group Fixtures
Egypt have been drawn in Group G for the World Cup 2026. The Pharaohs will face Belgium, New Zealand and Iran in the group stage.
Egypt’s group matches are:
Belgium vs Egypt, 15 June
New Zealand vs Egypt, 22 June
Egypt vs Iran, 27 June
The opening match against Belgium will be a major test for Egypt. Belgium are expected to be one of the strongest teams in the group, while the matches against New Zealand and Iran could be crucial for Egypt’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Friendly Matches Before the Tournament
Egypt will continue their preparations with a friendly against Russia in Cairo on 28 May. After that match, Hossam Hassan is expected to confirm the final 26-man squad.
The Pharaohs are also scheduled to face Brazil in Cleveland on 6 June. That match will provide a difficult test before the World Cup begins and could give Egypt a clearer idea of their level against elite opposition.
Egypt Preliminary World Cup Squad
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 Abdelmonen, 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 Oviedo
Forwards
Omar Marmoush, Manchester City
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool
Aqtay Abdallah, Enppi
Hamza Abdelkarim, Barcelona
What Salah Means for Egypt
Salah will be expected to carry much of Egypt’s attacking threat at the World Cup. His goals, creativity and leadership make him central to the team’s hopes.
For younger players in the squad, his presence can also provide confidence and guidance. Egypt will need discipline, experience and sharp finishing to compete in Group G, and Salah remains the player most capable of delivering in key moments.
Salah Gives Egypt Hope Before World Cup 2026
Mohamed Salah’s inclusion in Egypt’s preliminary World Cup 2026 squad gives the Pharaohs a clear leader heading into the tournament. With Omar Marmoush also selected and young Hamza Abdelkarim earning a call-up, Egypt have a mix of experience and fresh talent.
The final squad will be confirmed after the Russia friendly, with one player still to be dropped. Once the list is finalized, Egypt’s full focus will turn to their Group G matches against Belgium, New Zealand and Iran.
