Mohamed Abdelmonem is expected to be included in Egypt’s final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite concerns over his recent lack of playing time following a serious knee injury.
Sources speaking to WinWin revealed that the defender remains highly valued by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan as preparations intensify for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Egyptian national team is continuing its final phase of preparation ahead of the competition, with the coaching staff closely monitoring the condition and readiness of players competing abroad before announcing the definitive squad.
Egypt have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium national football team, Iran national football team and New Zealand national football team.
The Pharaohs will open their World Cup campaign against Belgium in Seattle on 15 June before facing New Zealand in Vancouver on 22 June. Their final group-stage match will then take place against Iran in Seattle on 27 June.
Coaching Staff Closely Monitoring Defensive Options
Hossam Hassan is currently working to finalise the core structure of his squad before the tournament begins, with every player hoping to secure a place in what many view as one of the most important Egypt squads in recent years.
Abdelmonem’s situation has attracted particular attention because the defender has struggled for regular minutes since recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.
The 26-year-old centre-back, who plays for OGC Nice, has only recently returned from the long-term setback, leading to questions about whether he would be fully ready for the demands of international football at the World Cup.
However, according to a source within the Egyptian national team setup, the coaching staff still considers him one of the leading defensive options available.
The source said: “Hossam Hassan is fully convinced of Mohamed Abdel Moneim’s capabilities, and he is one of the top-ranked players in the defense line. He will be included in the initial list that is allowed to be registered, with the possibility of substitutions in case any player is injured before the start of the tournament.”
Friendlies Could Determine Starting Role
The same source indicated that Abdelmonem is expected to remain part of the final squad and could even earn a starting role if he performs strongly in Egypt’s upcoming warm-up matches.
Egypt are scheduled to face Russia national football team on 28 May at the New Administrative Capital Stadium before travelling to the United States for another friendly against Brazil national football team on 6 June.
Those matches are expected to provide Hossam Hassan with a final opportunity to evaluate his squad before the tournament officially begins.
The coaching staff is particularly focused on assessing the fitness levels of players returning from injury, as Egypt aim to build a balanced squad capable of competing against strong opposition in Group G.
Egypt Target Strong World Cup Campaign
The Pharaohs enter the tournament with growing expectations after securing qualification for the World Cup and assembling a squad featuring several experienced international players.
For Abdelmonem, inclusion in the squad would represent an important personal achievement following months of recovery and uncertainty over his physical condition.
The defender is now hoping the coming friendlies will provide him with the chance to prove he is ready to compete again at the highest level and help Egypt in one of the most challenging groups of the tournament.
