Salah to miss preparations as Pharaohs step up World Cup build-up
Egypt national football team have announced plans for their March training camp as preparations intensify for upcoming international fixtures against Saudi Arabia national football team and Spain national football team.
The camp, confirmed by team manager Ibrahim Hassan, is set to begin on Sunday, March 22, at the National Teams Centre in 6th of October City. The gathering marks a key stage in Egypt’s build-up towards future international competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Squad arrival and preparation timeline
According to the announced schedule, players based abroad will link up with the squad a day later, on Monday, March 23. This staggered arrival allows overseas professionals additional time to complete club commitments before joining the national team.
The training camp will focus on preparing the squad for two high-profile friendly matches, offering the coaching staff an opportunity to assess performance levels and tactical readiness against strong opposition.
Egypt are due to travel to the Saudi city of Jeddah on March 25, where they will face Saudi Arabia on March 27. The match is expected to provide a competitive test as the Pharaohs fine-tune their approach ahead of future qualifiers and tournaments.
European test awaits after Saudi Arabia clash
Following the encounter in Jeddah, the team will continue their preparations with a trip to Europe. Egypt are scheduled to depart Saudi Arabia on March 28 and travel to Spain for their second friendly match.
There, they will face Spain on March 31, a fixture that presents a significantly different tactical challenge. The Spanish side, featuring emerging talents such as Lamine Yamal, are widely regarded for their technical style of play, offering Egypt a valuable benchmark.
The Pharaohs are then expected to return to Cairo on April 1, concluding the training camp and international window.
Salah absence confirmed
In a notable development, Mohamed Salah will not be part of the March camp due to injury. The news was confirmed by Arne Slot, head coach of Liverpool FC, where Salah plays his club football.
His absence represents a setback for Egypt, given his influence and experience at international level. However, it may also provide an opportunity for other players to step into more prominent roles during the friendlies.
Focus on World Cup ambitions
The upcoming fixtures form part of Egypt’s broader preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Egypt have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, presenting a challenging pathway in the tournament. The March camp is therefore seen as an important step in refining the squad and building cohesion ahead of competitive fixtures.
Key window for evaluation
With matches against two contrasting opponents, the March training camp offers Egypt a valuable opportunity to test their squad depth and tactical flexibility. Despite the absence of Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs will aim to use the window effectively as they continue their preparations for the global stage.
