Egypt World Cup 2026: Salah to inspire Pharaohs to first World Cup win

Egypt didn’t feature in Qatar four years ago, but the side that lost in the AFCON semi-finals in January will hope to make a big impression on the world stage in North America. 

Below you can find my Egypt World Cup 2026 preview and predictions, assessing their squad and chances of success. 

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Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek)

Defenders: Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Tarek Alaa (Zed), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonemn (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 Ovideo)

Forwards: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona)

Egypt are always great additions to a World Cup given their fanbase, but on the pitch they are still searching for their first World Cup win. They have featured at the 2018, 1990 and 1934 editions, but have picked up just two draws in the finals. 

2018 saw three defeats from three against Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia, but with Mo Salah’s career winding down and a relatively kind group this time around, there are hopes that the Pharohs can at the very least, land that elusive win.

World Cup Odds

Hossam Hassan guided them through qualifying, and it went extremely well, as they won eight and drew twice to qualify for the finals automatically. Despite all their attacking talent, their defence shone in qualifying, conceding just two goals in 10 games. 

It’s been a long road to reach these finals but the strength of African sides, and the knockout experience they have thanks to AFCON should make them a tough side for their opponents, Belgium, Iran and New Zealand. 

The attacking talent in this 26-man squad is clear for all to see. More on Salah shortly, but he is joined by Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Al Ahly’s Trezeguet. Teenage talent Hamza Abdelkarim is also one to watch with the vast majority of this squad plying their trade in Egypt.

Group G Fixtures:

15 June 12pm local (8pm BST) - vs Belgium (Seattle)

21 June 6pm local (22 June 2am BST) - vs New Zealand (Vancouver)

27 June 8pm local (28 June 4am BST) - vs Iran (Seattle)

Key player: Mo Salah

Still the Egyptian king - it will come as no surprise that he is the man in focus for us. Salah has left Liverpool, and not in the way he had hoped as his tit for tat with Arne Slot brought an ignominious end to his nine years on Merseyside.

Now 33, this will likely be his last World Cup, and now searching for his next club he will want to make a big impression and show he is stil world class. It feels as though this tournament comes at the perfect time as Salah needs to feel the love of his people once again.

He will be the focal point and play every minute for his country and perhaps after a season spent mostly on the sidelines, he should be fresh and hungry. That could be dangerous for his Group G opponents, Belgium, Iran and New Zealand. 

Football Odds

Prediction: Last 16

I think Egypt have a real chance at doing something they have never done before, and winning a World Cup game. Given the unique format of this World Cup - one win could be enough for them to progress.

They should beat New Zealand in this group, and I’m backing a really even contest between themselves and Iran. Belgium are the group favourites and rightfully so, but I think Egypt can get out of the group.

It’s difficult to predict who they could face in the first knockout round, but it could be Australia, who I’d back them to beat as well. A last 16 appearance would be remarkable.

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