Hani Abu Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Association, has expressed confidence in Egypt’s chances ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Pharaohs intensify preparations for the tournament in North America.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, is generating growing excitement among Egyptian supporters eager to see Egypt national football team return strongly to football’s biggest stage.
Egypt have been drawn into Group G alongside Belgium national football team, New Zealand national football team and Iran national football team. Their campaign will begin with a difficult opening fixture against Belgium.
Speaking after Egypt’s recent friendly victory over Russia national football team, Abu Rida praised the progress made by the team during recent international windows.
“The national team has had many strong friendly matches against different football schools during the recent international breaks, and has succeeded in achieving outstanding results that reflect the development of the team’s level,” he said.
The EFA president also reaffirmed his confidence in head coach Hossam Hassan and the current squad as preparations enter their decisive phase.
“We have complete confidence in the technical staff and the players, and the next stage requires more focus and hard work,” Abu Rida added.
He further insisted that Egypt possess the quality needed to compete against some of the world’s strongest teams while representing African and Arab football positively at the tournament.
“The Egyptian national team is capable of competing and presenting a respectable image of Egyptian football on the global level,” he concluded.
Egypt’s preparations recently received a boost following a 1-0 friendly victory over Russia, with Mostafa Zico scoring the decisive goal for the Pharaohs.
The North Africans are also scheduled to face Brazil national football team in another high-profile friendly on June 7, a match expected to serve as one of their final major tests before the World Cup begins.
With optimism growing around the squad, Egypt will now aim to build momentum and arrive at the tournament fully prepared to challenge elite international opposition.
