Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has finalized his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Enppi forward Aqtay Abdallah the only player dropped from the preliminary list announced earlier this month.
The final squad was revealed on Saturday, less than 24 hours after the Pharaohs concluded their domestic preparations with a 1-0 victory over Russia in the New Capital Cup final at Cairo International Stadium.
Aqtay, who earned his first senior national team call-up when Hassan named a 27-man provisional squad on 21 May, was ultimately left out as the coach trimmed the group ahead of the team’s departure for the United States.
Egypt are scheduled to fly to America on Saturday night as they begin the final stage of preparations for their first World Cup appearance in years. The Pharaohs have been drawn in a challenging group alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand.
Before their tournament opener, Hassan’s men will face Brazil in a high-profile friendly in Ohio on 7 June, providing one final test against elite opposition before the competition gets underway. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the United States and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, with Egypt hoping to advance beyond the group stage and make a significant impact on football’s biggest stage.
The squad combines experienced internationals with several emerging talents. Veteran captain Mohamed Salah headlines the list alongside Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, while young striker Hamza Abdelkarim has earned a place after impressing at youth level.
Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy is expected to lead a defensive unit featuring Mohamed Abdelmonem, Rami Rabia and Ahmed Fattouh, while the midfield includes key figures such as Emam Ashour, Marwan Attia, Mahmoud Trezeguet and Ibrahim Adel.
With preparations entering their final phase, attention now shifts to Egypt’s friendly against Brazil before the Pharaohs begin their World Cup campaign against some of the tournament’s most demanding opponents.
Egypt’s final 26-man World Cup squad:
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Ahly), El-Mahdy Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (Gouna).
Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim (Ahly), Tarek Alaa (ZED FC), Rami Rabia (Al-Ain, UAE), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah, Qatar), Hossam Abdelmaguid, Ahmed Fattouh (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice, France), Karim Hafez (Pyramids FC).
Midfielders: Marwan Attia, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Emam Ashour, Mahmoud Trezeguet (Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen, Nabil Emad Donga, Mahmoud Saber, Mostafa Zico (Pyramids FC), Ibrahim Adel (Al Jazira, UAE), Haissam Hassan (Real Oviedo, Spain), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England).
Strikers: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City, England), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona Jumiors, Spain).
