Mohamed Salah headlines a 27-player preliminary squad named by the Egyptian Football Association for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with coach Hossam Hassan building around a core of established stars as Egypt prepare for only their fourth World Cup appearance in history. The announcement was made on 21 May, ahead of the national team's final training camp this month.

Key Selections and Surprises

Alongside Salah, the squad features familiar names including Omar Marmoush, Trezeguet, and Mohamed Abdelmonem. However, the selection came with notable omissions — Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed was left out, as were Zamalek duo Mohamed Shehata and Nasser Mansi, surprises that are likely to generate debate among Egyptian football followers.

The final travelling squad will be trimmed to 26 players following a friendly against Russia on 28 May, the last preparatory fixture before the tournament kicks off on 11 June.

Five Potential Debutants in the Frame

Coach Hassan has handed opportunities to five uncapped players, most notably teenage forward Hamza Abdelkareem, currently on loan at Barcelona B and widely regarded as one of Egyptian football's most exciting young prospects. ENPPI forward Aqtay Abdullah is also among the potential debutants, signalling a degree of squad renewal alongside the experienced core.

Egypt's Group G Challenge

Egypt are drawn in Group G and will face Belgium on 15 June, New Zealand on 22 June, and Iran on 27 June. The tournament is co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Egypt's World Cup record is modest — across three previous appearances, the Pharaohs have played seven matches, winning none, drawing two, and losing five.

Salah's Final Chapter in International Football

For Mohamed Salah, the tournament carries enormous personal significance. He will represent Egypt at the World Cup following the conclusion of his storied career at Liverpool, making this potentially his last major international stage. Despite an illustrious club career decorated with trophies and individual honours across England and Europe, Salah has never won the Africa Cup of Nations — a gap in his legacy that remains unresolved. Egypt hold the record as Africa's most successful nation with seven continental titles, yet the AFCON trophy has eluded Salah throughout his international career.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Mohamed Alaa, Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, El Mahdy Soliman

Defenders: Hossam Abdelmagid, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Tarek Alaa, Ahmed Fatouh, Karim Hafez, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Rami Rabia

Midfielders: Emam Ashour, Marwan Attia, Nabil Emad, Hamdi Fathi, Haitham Hassan, Mohannad Lashin, Mahmoud Saber, Mahmoud Hassan, Mostafa Zico, Ahmed Sayed

Forwards: Aqtay Abdullah, Hamza Abdelkareem, Ibrahim Adel, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah

Egypt's World Cup campaign begins on 15 June against Belgium, with the nation hoping Salah's presence can finally translate continental pedigree into a deep run on the global stage.