The Egyptian national team have announced their final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with coach Hossam Hassan making a late decision to exclude striker Aktai Abdullah from the travelling party.
The Pharaohs are preparing to head to the United States for the expanded tournament, which will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. Egypt are scheduled to face Brazil in a friendly match in Ohio on 6 June before beginning their World Cup campaign.
Hassan had initially named a preliminary squad of 27 players, but was required to reduce the list by one before the team’s departure. The final decision came after discussions within the coaching staff on Friday evening.
Midfielder Nabil Emad Dunga retained his place in the squad after competing with Abdullah for the final available spot. The coaching staff eventually opted to keep the Al-Najma player, while Enppi forward Abdullah was omitted from the final selection.
The decision concludes several hours of uncertainty surrounding the final composition of Egypt’s squad as the team enters the final phase of preparations for the World Cup.
Salah and Marmoush headline Egypt attack
Egypt’s final 26-man squad includes several established international names, led by captain Mohamed Salah and forward Omar Marmoush.
The squad also features Mahmoud Trezeguet, Emam Ashour and Ahmed Sayed Zizo as Egypt seek to progress from a difficult group.
Goalkeepers selected for the tournament are Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, El Mahdi Soliman and Mohamed Alaa.
In defence, Hassan named Mohamed Hany, Tarek Alaa, Hamdi Fathi, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Hossam Abdel-Maguid, Mohamed Abdel-Moneim, Ahmed Fatouh and Karim Hafez.
The midfield unit contains Marwan Attia, Mohannad Lasheen, Dunga, Mahmoud Saber, Zizo, Emam Ashour and Mostafa Abdel Raouf Zico.
Alongside Salah, Marmoush and Trezeguet in attack are Hamza Abdel Karim and Ibrahim Adel.
Egypt face difficult World Cup group
Egypt have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand.
The 2026 edition of the tournament will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, marking a significant expansion from the previous 32-team format.
For Egypt, the tournament represents another opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage, with Hassan now finalising preparations after settling the final selection debate surrounding Abdullah and Dunga.
