FC Barcelona have sent a special message of support to young Egyptian talent Hamza Abdel Karim after his inclusion in the preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The teenager’s selection has been described as a historic moment, with Abdel Karim moving closer to becoming the first Egyptian player associated with Barcelona to feature at a World Cup.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan recently announced a provisional list of 27 players ahead of a friendly match against Russia national football team.
One player will later be removed from the squad before the team travels to the United States for the tournament, leaving a final group of 26 players for the competition.
The inclusion of Abdel Karim was viewed by many supporters as one of the biggest surprises in the squad announcement.
His chances of remaining in the final group reportedly increased after the omission of Mostafa Mohamed, the FC Nantes striker who had been expected by some observers to travel with the national side.
Barcelona publicly acknowledged Abdel Karim’s achievement through the club’s official account on the social media platform X.
The Spanish club wrote: “Hamza Abdel Karim, the first Egyptian player from FC Barcelona to participate in the World Cup. We wish you all the best with the Pharaohs national team in the 2026 World Cup.”
The message quickly attracted attention from Egyptian supporters, many of whom see the player as one of the country’s brightest emerging talents.
Abdel Karim is currently playing for Barcelona on loan from Al Ahly SC until the end of the season.
The agreement reportedly includes an option for Barcelona to complete a permanent transfer worth 1.5 million euros.
His rapid rise has generated optimism among Egyptian football followers, particularly as the national team prepares for a return to the World Cup stage.
Egypt have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium national football team, Iran national football team and New Zealand national football team.
Supporters are hopeful that the Pharaohs can produce stronger performances than in previous World Cup appearances.
Egypt’s campaign will begin on 15 June in Seattle against Belgium before the team travels to Vancouver to face New Zealand on 22 June.
The Pharaohs will then return to Seattle for their final group-stage match against Iran on 27 June.
For Abdel Karim, the call-up represents a potentially defining moment in his young career.
If selected in the final squad, he would achieve a milestone not only for himself but also for Egyptian football and Barcelona’s growing international academy network.
The attention surrounding his progress reflects increasing excitement about the future of the Egyptian national team, with fans eager to see whether the young midfielder can establish himself on football’s biggest stage.
