Hany Abu Rida has delivered a strong message of encouragement to the Egypt national football team ahead of the side’s departure to the United States for the 2026 World Cup.
The president of the Egyptian Football Association met players and staff before the squad travelled to North America, where Egypt will begin preparations for the tournament that will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Egypt have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium national football team, Iran national football team and New Zealand national football team.
The meeting also included Khaled El-Darandaly, vice-president of the federation and head of Egypt’s delegation during the World Cup.
Abu Rida expressed confidence in both the players and the technical staff led by Hossam Hassan, stating that he believed the current generation was capable of producing one of the country’s most memorable World Cup campaigns.
He said the team had already demonstrated its quality during qualification, where Egypt secured their place at the tournament ahead of schedule.
“The Egyptian national team achieved great results in the qualification journey and secured early qualification, and everyone has high hopes to continue the successes and deliver a distinguished achievement in the World Cup.”
Abu Rida also praised Hossam Hassan and team director Ibrahim Hassan, highlighting the experience both men gained during their own playing careers.
“Hossam Hassan, the coach of the Egyptian national team, and his twin brother Ibrahim, the director of the Pharaohs, have great international experience as players and have the ability to instill enthusiasm and fighting spirit in the players.”
The Egyptian FA president stressed that the federation would continue to provide full support to the national side in an effort to bring happiness to supporters during the tournament.
He added that he plans to join the squad in the coming days to attend Egypt’s upcoming friendly against Brazil national football team on 6 June.
Egypt resumed training on Saturday evening after being granted a 24-hour break following their friendly victory against Russia national football team.
Later the same evening, the delegation travelled to Ohio aboard a private aircraft to continue preparations for the tournament.
The Pharaohs will begin their World Cup campaign on 15 June against Belgium in what is expected to be one of the toughest matches in the group stage.
Egypt will then face New Zealand on 21 June before completing their Group G fixtures against Iran on 26 June.
With expectations continuing to rise among supporters, Abu Rida’s comments reflected growing belief within Egyptian football that the team could achieve a notable run at the tournament and produce a campaign remembered as a landmark moment in the nation’s football history.
