Egypt’s national football team has not yet announced its squad for the 2026 World Cup, with officials urging fans and media to disregard circulating reports naming potential players.
Ibrahim Hassan, director of the Egyptian national team, said speculation surrounding player selections was premature and inaccurate, insisting that no official list had been finalised ahead of the tournament.
Speaking to Kora Plus, Hassan stated: “We haven’t announced the Egyptian national team’s squad for the World Cup, and the names circulating are just speculation.”
His remarks come amid growing anticipation as Egypt prepares for its return to the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be staged across United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Challenging group awaits Pharaohs
Egypt has been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand—a line-up widely seen as competitive but balanced.
The group presents a mix of tactical styles and international experience, posing a significant test for the North African side as they aim to progress beyond the early stages of the tournament.
While no squad has been confirmed, preparations are already under way, with the Egyptian team stepping up its pre-tournament schedule.
Key friendlies lined up before departure
As part of its build-up, Egypt will face Russia in a friendly match on 28 May at the Egypt Stadium in the New Administrative Capital.
The fixture is expected to provide valuable insight into the team’s readiness and allow coaching staff to assess player performance under match conditions.
Two days later, on 30 May, the squad is scheduled to travel to the United States to continue preparations ahead of the tournament.
A final high-profile friendly against Brazil has been arranged for 6 June in the state of Ohio. The encounter is likely to serve as Egypt’s last major test before competitive action begins.
Expanded tournament raises stakes
The 2026 edition of the World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, significantly expanding the scale and competitiveness of the tournament.
For Egypt, the increased number of მონაწილators offers both opportunity and pressure, as expectations grow among supporters eager to see the team make a strong impression on the global stage.
Focus remains on preparation, not speculation
With speculation continuing to circulate, Egyptian officials appear determined to maintain focus on preparation rather than distraction. Hassan’s comments underline a clear message: no decisions have yet been finalised, and any reports suggesting otherwise should be treated with caution.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, attention will increasingly shift from rumours to results on the pitch, where Egypt’s readiness will ultimately be judged.
