Egypt's preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup, excluding the anaconda

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Introduction: The Pharaohs' ambitions towards the 2026 World Cup

In a move eagerly awaited by Egyptian fans, the head coach of the Egyptian national football team, Captain Hossam Hassan, announced the preliminary squad of players called up in preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This edition of the World Cup holds exceptional historical significance, as it will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. These preparations come amidst high hopes from the Egyptian sporting community for the Pharaohs' return to the global stage, taking advantage of the increased number of slots allocated to the African continent in the upcoming edition, which will feature 48 teams for the first time in the tournament's history.

List surprises: “Anaconda” excluded, new blood emerges

The preliminary squad announced by the Egyptian national team's coaching staff included some major surprises that sparked widespread debate and significant interest in sporting circles. Perhaps the most notable of these surprises was the exclusion of striker Mostafa Mohamed, nicknamed "The Anaconda," who plays professionally for French club Nantes. Mostafa Mohamed has been a key player in the national team's attack in recent years, making his absence a turning point in coach Hossam Hassan's attacking tactics.

In contrast, and as part of a policy of injecting new blood and searching for young talent to build a generation capable of competing for years to come, promising young striker Hamza Abdel Karim, from Barcelona's youth team, was called up for the first time in his career to represent the senior national team. As usual, the squad was headlined by Liverpool star and national team captain Mohamed Salah, alongside the talented Omar Marmoush, ensuring a wealth of international and domestic experience to lead the Egyptian national team's attack.

Historical context and the importance of the event locally and internationally

Historically, the Egyptian national team boasts a long and distinguished history in African football, having won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times. However, its participation in the World Cup has been limited to only three editions (1934, 1990, and 2018). Captain Hossam Hassan, who played and led Egypt's attack in the 1990 World Cup, is a symbol of determination and resilience, and he hopes to repeat his success, this time as a coach. These qualifiers have significant local and regional implications. Locally, they reunite fans behind the dream of the World Cup; regionally, they reaffirm Egyptian football's status as a dominant force in the Middle East and Africa; and internationally, football fans eagerly anticipate seeing global stars like Mohamed Salah in the biggest football tournament on earth.