Hossam Hassan has sparked widespread debate after leaving Mostafa Mohamed out of Egypt’s preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The omission of the FC Nantes striker is being viewed as one of the biggest surprises in the early squad selection, particularly given his importance to Egypt’s attack in recent years.
Egypt are currently preparing for the World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, with expectations once again high around the Pharaohs heading into the tournament.
Mostafa Mohamed’s exclusion appears closely linked to his difficult club campaign in France.
The striker scored only four goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances during a disappointing season that ended with Nantes suffering relegation from the French top flight.
Despite the concerns surrounding his form, the decision has still generated major discussion among Egyptian supporters due to the striker’s experience and established role within the national team setup.
While one familiar attacking figure has been left out, the squad announcement has also brought excitement over the inclusion of teenage forward Hamza Abdelkarim from FC Barcelona Juvenil A.
The uncapped youngster has impressed at youth level and now receives a major opportunity as Egypt look to inject fresh energy into their attacking options ahead of the tournament.
His inclusion is being viewed as a strong statement from the coaching staff, highlighting a willingness to trust emerging talent on the international stage.
Egypt’s attack will still be led by captain Mohamed Salah alongside Omar Marmoush as the Pharaohs prepare for a demanding group-stage campaign.
Hossam Hassan is expected to reduce the squad to the final 26-man list after Egypt’s final pre-World Cup friendly against the Russia national football team in Cairo on May 28.
The match is expected to provide fringe players with one final chance to impress before the final selections are confirmed.
Egypt’s preparations will also include a high-profile friendly against the Brazil national football team on June 6 in Cleveland.
At the World Cup, the Pharaohs are set to begin their Group G campaign against the Belgium national football team before facing the New Zealand national football team in Vancouver and concluding the group stage against the Iran national football team in Seattle.
With the final squad still yet to be confirmed, Mostafa Mohamed’s absence has already emerged as one of the defining talking points surrounding Egypt’s World Cup preparations.
