World Cup 2026

Egypt

Salah's Last Dance? Egypt Chase History at the 2026 World Cup

Alive in the Round of 16FIFA #33Group G — Belgium · Iran · New ZealandNext match — Tue, Jul 7 vs Argentina

FutAve take

The Story

Egypt return to the World Cup for the first time since 2018, still hunting their maiden tournament victory after nine previous matches without a win. Led by the peerless Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs enter Group G carrying the weight of a nation — and a genuine chance to finally change history.

How they qualified

Egypt were flawless through CAF qualifying, winning Group A with eight wins, two draws, and zero defeats — conceding just two goals across ten matches. A dominant campaign culminated in a commanding victory over Djibouti, with the squad arriving in North America not as relieved qualifiers but as continental royalty brimming with confidence.

Why watch

A generational talent in Salah headlining the biggest stage. A group opener against a star-studded Belgium side. An underdog with top-tier quality and a historic hunger for their first World Cup win. Egypt offer drama, flair, and genuine jeopardy across every fixture — exactly the kind of team neutrals should be scheduling around.

Squad spotlight

Players to Know

The Star

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah is Egypt's captain, talisman, and all-time leading scorer — the Liverpool icon who defines this generation of Pharaohs football.

Why they matter

Every Egypt tactical decision flows through Salah. His ability to create and finish at the highest level makes him the difference-maker in a group where margins are razor-thin, particularly in the mouth-watering opener against Belgium.

Watch for

Movement in behind high defensive lines, his lethal left foot in and around the penalty area, and how opposition defences double or triple up — creating space the rest of Egypt's attack will be desperate to exploit.

The X-Factor

Omar Marmoush

Manchester City

Omar Marmoush brings Manchester City pedigree to Egypt's attack, offering a dynamic, high-pressing threat that can unlock any defensive shape.

Why they matter

Alongside Salah, Marmoush gives Egypt an attacking dimension that few Group G opponents will have a clean answer to. His ability to operate centrally or drift wide adds genuine tactical unpredictability to the Pharaohs' forward line.

Watch for

His movement between the lines and willingness to press from the front — qualities drilled at club level that could be absolutely decisive in tight, nervy group-stage encounters against Iran and New Zealand.

The Veteran

Mahmoud Trezeguet

Al Ahly

Mahmoud Trezeguet is a familiar face on the international stage, a wide attacker whose World Cup experience and delivery from wide areas remain invaluable.

Why they matter

Having featured in the 2018 World Cup, Trezeguet brings irreplaceable tournament experience to a squad navigating only their fourth appearance in the competition's history. His big-game composure is exactly what Egypt need in the knockout rounds.

Watch for

Driving runs from wide positions, his directness when taking on defenders, and the ability to deliver or cut inside at critical moments — the kind of play that changes games when the tension peaks.

The Glue Guy

Emam Ashour

Al Ahly

Emam Ashour is the Al Ahly engine in Egypt's midfield, providing the industry and craft to allow Salah and Marmoush to flourish further forward.

Why they matter

Egypt's flair upfront only works if someone takes care of business in the middle. Ashour's ability to win possession and move the ball cleanly is the unglamorous foundation on which Egypt's attacking brilliance is built.

Watch for

His positioning and pressing triggers in the middle third — particularly in the high-stakes Belgium fixture where midfield control could be the decisive factor in an even contest.

The Breakout Candidate

Ibrahim Adel

Nordsjælland

Ibrahim Adel is a young left-wing talent honing his craft at Nordsjælland, bringing electric pace and directness to Egypt's wide attacking options.

Why they matter

With Salah commanding constant attention on the opposite flank, Adel has the opportunity to exploit the space that inevitably opens up. A World Cup is the perfect stage to announce himself to a global audience.

Watch for

His willingness to take defenders on one-vs-one and drive at pace toward goal — the kind of youthful fearlessness that can unsettle even well-organised opposition and steal a match in a flash.

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