FC Barcelona has expressed public support for young Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim ahead of Egypt’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Belgium.
The gesture comes as the Egyptian national team prepares to begin its campaign in the group stage of the tournament, with expectations growing around the 18-year-old striker who has emerged as one of the squad’s most closely watched talents.
Egypt will compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, a group widely viewed as balanced but challenging, with every fixture expected to play a decisive role in determining qualification for the knockout stages.
Rising expectations around young forward
Abdelkarim has successfully secured a place in Egypt’s squad for the World Cup finals, marking a significant milestone in his early career. He is considered part of a new generation of players the national team’s technical staff is relying on as Egypt prepares for its fourth appearance in the tournament’s history.
The teenager’s inclusion has generated interest both domestically and internationally, particularly due to his development at Barcelona’s youth system.
Egypt’s opening fixture against Belgium is expected to be a demanding test, as the African side begins its campaign against one of the strongest teams in the group.
Barcelona highlights player’s progress
Ahead of the match, Barcelona used its official Facebook platform to draw attention to Abdelkarim’s performances with the club’s under-19 side.
The Spanish club shared a video compilation showcasing some of his goals and technical contributions at youth level, underlining his potential as a developing forward within their system.
Alongside the video, the club posted the message: “Hamza Abdel Karim: The first Egyptian player for Barça to be named in the World Cup squad.”
The post reflects Barcelona’s recognition of the player’s achievement in reaching football’s biggest international stage at such a young age.
The club further emphasised his age and potential trajectory, adding: “Hamza Abdulkarim, at just 18 years old, could make his World Cup debut.”
In another accompanying note, Barcelona repeated the sentiment, stating: “Hamza Abdul Karim could make his World Cup debut at just 18 years old.”
Focus turns to Belgium showdown
Egypt now shifts attention to its opening Group G match against Belgium, a fixture that will provide an early indication of the team’s competitiveness in the tournament.
The encounter is expected to be a significant test for the Egyptian side, particularly given the quality of opposition and the pressure of beginning a World Cup campaign on a strong note.
For Abdelkarim, the match also carries the possibility of a landmark moment in his career, with a potential World Cup debut at just 18 years old if selected to feature.
A spotlight moment for a rising talent
Barcelona’s public backing has further amplified attention on Hamza Abdelkarim as he prepares for a potentially defining moment on the global stage. With Egypt beginning its World Cup journey against Belgium, the young forward stands at the centre of growing expectations, symbolising both the country’s hopes and his club’s confidence in his future development.
