Egypt national football team have departed for the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup amid an unexpected wave of online controversy triggered by the appearance of celebrity chef Nasser El-Prince at Cairo International Airport during the team’s send-off.
The national squad left for North America following a 12-hour flight, led by Khaled El-Darandaly, vice-president of the Egyptian Football Association, as preparations intensify for the tournament which begins on 11 June.
However, attention quickly shifted away from the sporting build-up after images of El-Prince at the airport circulated on social media, prompting widespread speculation about his role in the team’s travel party.
Some online posts suggested, without evidence, that the chef had been brought in to accompany the players to the World Cup and personally oversee their meals during the tournament. The claims spread rapidly, generating debate among fans and commentators.
A source within the Egyptian national team dismissed the rumours, telling WINWIN that the suggestions were entirely false and unrelated to the official delegation.
The source stated that the chef’s presence had no connection to the national team setup and emphasised that no private chef had been appointed to travel with the squad. Instead, they said, food preparation and dietary arrangements for players are managed under strict professional supervision already in place.
The clarification comes as Egypt attempt to maintain focus on their final preparations for the World Cup campaign, where expectations are high following a successful qualification period.
The delegation’s departure was briefly delayed in public attention by the controversy, although internally the team’s focus remains on their upcoming fixtures and training schedule in the United States.
The incident also coincided with the confirmed absence of Omar Marmoush from the travelling squad. The Manchester City forward was granted permission to remain in Egypt to complete his marriage contract, which is scheduled for Monday.
Marmoush is expected to join the squad shortly after the ceremony and take part in training sessions ahead of Egypt’s friendly against Brazil national football team on 6 June.
On the sporting front, Egypt will compete in Group G at the World Cup alongside Belgium national football team, Iran national football team and New Zealand national football team, in what is expected to be a highly competitive group.
Before departure, Hany Abu Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Association, held a lengthy meeting with the players, encouraging them to deliver strong performances at the tournament.
While the online debate over the chef’s presence has added an unusual subplot to Egypt’s World Cup build-up, officials have moved quickly to clarify that preparations remain strictly football-focused as the team settles into its training base in the United States.
