This article is part of the World Cup 2026 Experts’ Network, a collaboration among leading media outlets from the 48 nations that qualified. In the lead-up to the tournament starting on June 11, we are providing insights from three countries each day.
The Strategy
Egypt secured their World Cup spot without a loss, bouncing back after missing the Qatar 2022 tournament, and clinched qualification with a game to spare. The team netted 19 goals across nine matches, with Mohamed Salah contributing nine, while they conceded just two goals and achieved seven clean sheets. Despite these remarkable statistics, Egypt’s playstyle is more pragmatic than flamboyant, which they carried into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations: featuring tightly contested matches, extended periods without possession, and swift transitions to Salah or Omar Marmoush. This approach was highlighted during their semi-final loss to Senegal, where they appeared more focused on survival than on dominating the game.
As they enter the World Cup, Egypt is likely to employ a 4-3-3 formation that shifts to a 4-2-3-1 when chasing a match, while occasionally adapting to a 3-5-2 against teams that press high. Mohamed El-Shenawy is expected to hold the goalkeeper position, although Mostafa Shobeir has recently challenged the veteran for that role. The defensive backbone is solid, featuring Rami Rabia and either Hossam Abdelmaguid or Yasser Ibrahim at the center. Marwan Attia and Hamdi Fathi will protect the defense, allowing Emam Ashour to facilitate play for the attacking trio.
Egypt: Group G Schedule
15 June vs. Belgium, Seattle (12 PM local, 8 PM BST, 16 June 5 AM AEST)
21 June vs. New Zealand, Vancouver (6 PM local, 22 June 2 AM BST, 22 June 11 AM AEST)
26 June vs. Iran, Seattle (8 PM local, 27 June 4 AM BST, 27 June 1 PM AEST)
Head coach Hossam Hassan has made it clear that no major tactical shifts will occur, stating he has settled on “90%” of the team. He also emphasizes that this squad is “100% locally made,” contrasting with other African teams that feature numerous players born in Europe. Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed, a forward, remarked, “Hossam Hassan is completely different from the foreign coaches we have had before. He manages to convince you that you are the best player in the world even if you’re coming to the camp not having been in good form.”
Egypt is known for its unity, often proving difficult to score against and displaying strong emotional commitment. However, they can appear blunt if opponents double down on Salah, and the midfield struggles to bypass the opposing press. The draw has placed Egypt in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. Historically, Egypt has never won a World Cup match, making this a crucial milestone to target.
The Coach
Hossam Hassan, the all-time leading scorer for the national team, is a celebrated figure in Egyptian football. Yet, his managerial career has been relatively quiet, with no trophies across nine clubs and two national teams. His appointment in 2024 had a nationalistic tone from the outset. Upon Egypt’s qualification for the World Cup, he stated, “We are happy for this great day for Egyptian football and for pleasing the Egyptian people, headed by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi [president of Egypt].”
Following their exit from the 2025 Afcon semi-finals, Hassan attributed the defeat to issues such as mosquito-infested hotels and a perceived conspiracy in scheduling, resorting to themes of nationalism. “Egypt is the mother of Arabs and Africa. No one possesses the history we possess. We won the African Cup seven times. This creates jealousy. No one will achieve what Egypt’s national team has accomplished.” When questioned about tactical issues, Hassan responded, “Your questions are impolite and show no respect. I will not answer you. You lack media etiquette.” This reaction aligns with his established persona.
Star Player
Mohamed Salah remains the focal point of the team, even as he navigates a challenging phase in his club career. He has consistently been a decisive factor for Egypt, scoring twice in the match that secured World Cup qualification, and preventing any last-minute dramas. Salah turns 34 on the day of Egypt’s first group match, heightening the sense of urgency as he nears the end of his international journey.
Player to Watch
Ibrahim Adel of FC Nordsjælland is not your typical winger; he thrives in half-spaces, arrives at the back post, and presses with a vigor that many Egyptian forwards lack. At 25 years old, his game is built on intelligent movement. While he may not start every match, his tactical versatility provides Egypt with a valuable wide option, capable of advancing the ball independently of Salah and reducing the team’s reliance on one side. This tournament could solidify his status as a legitimate contender on this stage, or it may reveal areas where he still needs development.
Unsung Hero
Marwan Attia exemplifies the type of midfielder that enhances team coherence. At 27, he plays a critical role by shielding center-backs, covering full-backs, disrupting counters, initiating attacks, and handling challenging passes under pressure. He allows Emam Ashour and the wingers the freedom to push forward. After qualification, Attia expressed pride in the World Cup, highlighting the current generation’s potential to secure “Egypt’s first-ever World Cup victory.”
Expected Starting XI
Fan Expectations
While Egyptian support will be present at the matches, it won’t be fully representative of the nation. The reality is that most Egyptians will watch from home or in cafes, perhaps with a smartphone propped against a cup of tea. North America is less accessible than Qatar, and Egypt does not benefit from a visa waiver program. The $185 visa application fee surpasses Egypt’s current minimum wage of $132, not to mention the costs of flights, accommodations, or tickets. Expect to see families from the diaspora, affluent Cairenes, corporate attendees, and expatriates. The Ultras, historically the most vocal supporters in Egyptian football, have faced systematic repression since 2013, classified as terrorist organizations, with many members imprisoned.
Relationships with the US
Neither the team nor the Egyptian Football Association publicly aligns with pro- or anti-American sentiments; however, their state relationship speaks volumes. Under Donald Trump’s presidency, Cairo often received warmth and less criticism regarding human rights. Trump famously referred to Sisi as his “favorite dictator” during his first term, and his second administration maintained Egypt, along with Israel, as an exception amidst a broader freeze on foreign aid.
The Egyptian president reciprocated the praise, stating that Trump “is the only one capable of bringing peace to the region.” Interestingly, the World Cup tensions are more cultural than diplomatic. The Egyptian Football Association formally requested Fifa to prevent LGBTQ+ pride events during the Egypt vs. Iran match in Seattle, claiming they conflict with cultural and religious values. Both nations have protested the locally branded Pride match, which coincides with the city’s Pride weekend, a scheduling choice made well before the tournament draw.
