Egypt winger insists team will aim higher than “honourable representation”
Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet has declared that Egypt will not settle for merely participating at the 2026 World Cup, as the national side prepares for a high-profile friendly against Spain national football team.
The match is scheduled to take place at the RCDE Stadium on Tuesday evening, serving as part of both teams’ preparations for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Preparation against top-ranked opposition
Speaking ahead of the match, Trezeguet acknowledged the challenge posed by Spain, describing them as the world’s top-ranked side.
“We will face a great team, ranked number 1 in the world. It is certainly an important experience to face such a level in order to gain experience before the World Cup. I hope that the players will be up to the task, and that we will benefit greatly from this match. The camp time is short, but we worked hard and achieved victory over a great team in Asia, the Saudi team. I hope to end the camp with a result that befits the name of the Egyptian national team tomorrow against Spain.”
Egypt arrive in Spain following a win over Saudi Arabia, with the camp offering a limited but significant opportunity to prepare for the global tournament.
Focus on development and experience
Trezeguet highlighted the importance of facing elite opposition as part of Egypt’s preparations, noting that such matches provide a valuable benchmark for the team’s progress.
He also singled out Lamine Yamal for praise, recognising the young Barcelona player’s growing influence.
“Lamine Yamal is one of the best players in the world. It will be a big match for us, and a challenge to face such a level. We hope to gain experience from this match.”
Salah absence noted but squad remains focused
The winger also addressed the absence of Mohamed Salah, acknowledging the impact of missing one of the team’s most influential players.
“We wished Mohamed Salah was with us in the camp. He is one of the best players in the world, and when he is with us, he gives us a great boost. But everyone is ready and their focus is on the match. Everyone wants to prove themselves in order to be in the World Cup. To have your name on Egypt’s World Cup roster is a great thing for an Egyptian player, and an honor that not many have achieved. Everyone gave their all in the Saudi Arabia match for this goal. It is important that we play at this level, and the most important thing is that we enjoy ourselves without pressure, and also prove our abilities and assess our level against a great team before the World Cup.”
Ambition beyond participation
Trezeguet concluded with a clear statement of intent regarding Egypt’s ambitions on the global stage, emphasising the team’s historical standing in African football.
“We are the best team in Africa, and the most decorated in the Africa Cup of Nations, and this places a responsibility on us to maintain this name. Our goal in the World Cup will not be limited to the term ‘honorable representation.’ We will go there to raise our country’s name high. We will not go there just to visit and participate.”
Building towards the World Cup
As Egypt continue their preparations, the encounter with Spain offers a significant test of their readiness against elite opposition. With expectations rising, Trezeguet’s remarks underline a shift in mindset, from participation to genuine competition on the world stage.
The upcoming fixture is expected to provide a clearer indication of Egypt’s progress, as they seek to measure themselves against one of the strongest teams in international football ahead of the World Cup.
