Egypt face Belgium, New Zealand and the Islamic Republic in Group G
Egypt were set to participate in the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Uruguay in 1930, but severe weather conditions prevented the team from making the transatlantic departure.
The Pharaohs eventually made their World Cup debut four years later at the 1934 tournament in Italy, becoming the first African nation to compete at the global finals. Their campaign, however, lasted just one match, ending in defeat to Hungary.
Since then, Egypt’s appearances on football’s biggest stage have been sporadic. The seven-time African champions waited 56 years before returning to the tournament in 1990, where they exited at the group stage despite earning a memorable draw against the Netherlands.
Their next appearance came in 2018, but once again ended in a first-round exit.
Now, with an experienced squad led by Mohamed Salah, Egypt will believe they have a strong opportunity to reach the knockout rounds for the first time after being drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Iran.
Quick facts
- Captain: Mohamed Salah
- Manager: Hossam Hassan
- World Cup appearances (including 2026): 4
- Best World Cup result: Group Stage
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Egypt’s final squad
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna)
Defenders: Mohamed Hani (Al Ahly), Tarek Alaa (Zed), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice), Ahmed Fotouh (Zamalek), Karim Hafez (Pyramids)
Midfielders: Marwan Attia (Al Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Nabil Emad (Al Najma), Mahmoud Saber (Zed), Ahmed Zizo (Al Ahly), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Mostafa Ziko (Pyramids), Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjaelland), Haissem Hassan (Real Ovideo)
Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona)