FIFA WC 2026: All to know about the Pharaohs of Egypt
Egypt is making a comeback at the World Cup after its last appearance in 2018 in Russia. Eighth runner-up in the 1934 edition, the Egyptian selection was eliminated from the group stage in 1990 and 2018. Mohamed Salah and his partners arrive in the US with clear ambitions; to do better than during the last campaigns in this competition.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Identity card
Nickname: The Pharaohs
Federation: Egyptian Football Association (EFA)
FIFA Ranking (May 2026): 28th in the world (4th African)
Coach: Hossam Hassan (59 years old, Egypt)
Iconic captain: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
History in the World Cup: 4th participation after 1934, 1990, 2018
The qualifying run: unbeaten in 10 games
With the number of qualifiers increased after the passage to 48 nations by FIFA, Egypt took the opportunity to make its comeback at the World Cup. The equation was simple; finish first in your group and officially validate your qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Egypt did so without trembling.
Housed in group A of the qualifiers, the Pharaohs easily obtained their qualification. With zero losses, 8 wins and 2 draws in 10 matches, for 26 points, they finished leaders ahead of Burkina Faso (21 points).
Beyond the points recorded, Egypt shone in all areas. The team, known for being defensive, scored 20 goals and conceded 2.
A nation that dreams of an unprecedented performance at the World Cup
Despite its 7 trophies at the Africa Cup of Nations, making it the most successful African nation in the tournament, Egypt really has no history with the World Cup. Only major performance, the round of 16 reached from his first appearance in 1934 in Italy. At the Giorgio Ascarelli stadium in Naples on 27 May 1934, the Pharaohs were eliminated by Hungary after a 4-2 defeat. Abdelrahman Fawzi’s doubling was not enough.
Since then, Egypt has been out in the first round in 1990 in Italy and in 2018 in Russia. The goal for the Pharaohs is to go as far as possible. To do a great performance this year, Hossam Hassan believes in it. The national coach believes that his players have the qualities and abilities to outsmart forecasts. Fourth in the last African Cup of Nations, the Egyptian selection has a status to defend: try to finally pass the first round after two failures and complete as many stages as possible.
Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs' man of renewal
In February 2024, Hossam Hassan was named coach after the departure of Portuguese Rui Vitoria and the elimination of Egypt in the eighth finals of the 2023 AFCON. The Egyptian legend had found a team lacking confidence and results. After more than two years on the bench, the former striker turned the tide and Egypt returned to the forefront.
With an easy qualification to the AFCON 2025, Egypt almost went all the way. After beating Benin in the last 16 and Côte d'Ivoire in the quarter-finals, the Pharaons fell to Senegal in the semi-finals. They finished 4th following the ranking match lost to the Super Eagles from Nigeria.
The signs are green for Egypt since the arrival of Hossam Hassan. The latter allowed his country to return to the World Cup after the failed 2022 edition. The coach remains ambitious. He does not come as a resigned victim. He wants the collective progress to be materialized in fact during the 2026 World Cup.
The 26 Pharaohs selected for the 2026 World Cup
Keepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El-Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna)
Defenders: Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice), Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid, Ahmed Fattouh (Zamalek), Tarek Alaa (ZED), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah), Karim Hafez (Pyramids)
Midfielders: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Marwan Attia, Ahmed Mostafa "Zizo", Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet", Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Mostafa Abdel Raouf, Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids), Haitham Hassan (Real Oviedo), Mahmoud Saber (ZED), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjælland), Nabil Emad (Al-Najma)
Forwards: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Hamza Abdel Karim (Atletic Barcelona)
Three Egyptian players to watch
1- Mohamed Salah
We cannot mention the Egyptian selection, without Mohamed Salah. The iconic captain will be followed again at the 2026 World Cup. This will be his second appearance in the tournament after 2018 in Russia. In this edition, he arrived physically impaired after his serious injury to the arm contracted during the final of the Champions League after a duel with Sergio Ramos. This time, the native of Nagrig is in full possession of his means. Although he had an average season (12 goals, 10 assists in 41 games) under the colors of the Reds, Salah will be more motivated than ever to impact the World Cup with his country.
The 2026 World Cup will also be a springboard for Salah. Even if the contenders are already jostling after the announcement of his departure from Liverpool, they could go on the offensive if and only if the Pharaoh is sparkling at the 2026 World Cup. The performances of the Egyptian star will be scrutinized.
2- Omar Marmoush
Performing well at club level, Omar Marmoush has trouble keeping the same performance with the national team. The best of the Manchester City player is still expected. Although he comes out of a very disappointing season with the Skyblues, he is expected to be the perfect sidekick for Mohamed Salah on the offensive.
Having played less this season (36 games, 8 goals, 3 assists), Marmoush will be physically fresh to give the best of himself. He must do better than his 11 goals scored in 49 games with the Pharaons.
3- Hamza Abdelkarim
Hamza Abdelkarim is the new gem of Egyptian football. For many observers, the young striker is the perfect successor to Mohamed Salah. A pure product of Al Ahly’s formation, the 18-year-old joined FC Barcelona and shines with the U19 team. Enough to catch the coach’s eye and be part of the final list for the 2026 World Cup.
The group and the opponents at the 2026 World Cup (Group G)
After the draw of the group phase of the 2026 World Cup, Egypt fell into pool G with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran. This group seems to be within the reach of the Pharaohs given their pedigree.
The Egyptian selection launches its tournament with a real shock against Belgium. Then, she will face New Zealand in an unbalanced match on paper. Finally, the Pharaohs will challenge Iran for the last pool match.
In this group G, Egypt has its say, with the squad and style of play to shake up the hierarchy. Even if Belgium emerges as the chicken’s favorite, the Pharaohs can create a sensation. New Zealand and Iran are two adversaries that are clearly accessible to the Egyptians. Making it into the round of 32 would be an achievable performance for Mohamed Salah and his teammates.
June 15, 2026
(19h GMT): Belgium - Egypt (lumen Field from Seattle)
June 22, 2026
(1h GMT): New Zealand - Egypt (BC Place, Vancouver)
June 27, 2026
3am GMT: Egypt - Iran (lumen Field from Seattle)