Mohamed Salah will captain Egypt after coach Hossam Hassan named a 27-man provisional squad that excludes Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed and includes Barcelona under-19 forward Hamza Abdelkarim
The Egypt national team has unveiled a 27-player preliminary roster ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Mohamed Salah confirmed as captain. Coach Hossam Hassan assembled a group that blends established internationals and emerging prospects as the Pharaohs prepare for friendlies and the tournament itself.
One member of the list will be removed after Egypt’s final home warm-up on May 28 versus Russia in Cairo to meet the FIFA-mandated 26-player limit.
The selection generated headlines because Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed was left out despite recent involvement in the national setup.
By contrast, uncapped teenager Hamza Abdelkarim, who features for Barcelona under-19, earned a spot after strong performances at youth level. The squad will use the remaining friendlies — including a match against Brazil in Cleveland on June 6 — as a final evaluation before the World Cup running from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Leadership and attacking options
At the top of the roster, Mohamed Salah will carry the captain’s armband and is expected to lead the frontline alongside Omar Marmoush of Manchester City. The pairing offers a mixture of experience and recent club success, while the coaching staff keeps faith in other attackers such as Oktay Abdallah (ENPPI) and Ibrahim Adel. The inclusion of the young Hamza Abdelkarim signals an eye for future talent and depth in forward options as Egypt heads into a Group G that features Belgium, New Zealand and Iran.
Why Mostafa Mohamed’s omission matters
The decision to leave out Mostafa Mohamed surprised some observers because of his prior involvement with the national team. His club form at Nantes this season, however, was modest: he scored just four goals in 24 matches while the team suffered relegation from Ligue 1. That downturn appears to have influenced the coach’s judgement as he prioritized match-ready options and players showing upward trajectories at their clubs or youth systems.
Squad balance and tactical considerations
Hassan’s selection aims to combine stability and tactical flexibility. The roster contains four goalkeepers — led by veteran Mohamed El Shenawy — and a defensive group that mixes domestic regulars and overseas-based players. Midfield choices such as Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet provide experience and variety, while young midfielders are present to inject energy. The coach has designed a pool intended to adapt to different opponents, whether through a compact defensive posture or a quicker transition game spearheaded by the forwards.
Preparation schedule and immediate fixtures
Following the Cairo friendly on May 28, Egypt will travel to the United States for a warm-up against Brazil in Cleveland on June 6. That game precedes the World Cup opener in Seattle against Belgium on June 20, with further Group G matches scheduled against New Zealand in Vancouver on June 21 and Iran back in Seattle. These dates and venues will be crucial for final tactical drills and the imminent cut to 26 players.
Full preliminary squad
Below is the 27-player list named by coach Hossam Hassan. This roster will be trimmed by one player after the May 28 friendly to comply with the FIFA regulations on squad size.
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 Abdelmonem (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), Oktay Abdallah (Enppi), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona U19).
As the Pharaohs refine their plans, attention will focus on which player is released after the final Cairo friendly and how the squad gels in the high-profile tune-ups. The mix of seasoned internationals and youthful prospects offers multiple tactical pathways for Egypt as they seek to make an impact during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
