World Cup: Egypt winger Islam Issa ruled out of tournament due to ACL injury

Egypt have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Islam Issa was officially ruled out due to a serious knee injury.

The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that the 30-year-old has suffered a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that typically requires several months of recovery and effectively ends his chances of featuring at the global tournament set to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in less than three months.

Issa sustained the injury during an international friendly against Spain on Tuesday at the RCDE Stadium, a match that ended goalless. The winger was forced off in the 68th minute, with head coach Hossam Hassan introducing Haitham Hassan as his replacement.

Initial comments from Issa had downplayed the severity of the injury, as he indicated he would undergo further medical tests upon returning to Cairo. However, scans conducted after the team’s arrival confirmed the worst.

In an official statement, the Egyptian FA said, “The scans that Islam Issa underwent proved that he suffered a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee, after the player went directly to undergo scans after the arrival of the Egyptian national team delegation to Cairo this morning.”

إصابة إسلام عيسي بقطع بالرباط الصليبي الأمامي للركبة اليسرى 🗒️🔴 pic.twitter.com/d1NXM9zI48

— EFA.eg (@EFA) April 2, 2026

The injury is a major blow to Egypt’s preparations, with Issa emerging as a key figure in recent matches. His absence is expected to force adjustments to Hossam Hassan’s plans heading into the tournament.

The Ceramica Cleopatra player had impressed during the recent international break, particularly in friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Spain. He seized his opportunity in the absence of captain Mohamed Salah, scoring in a convincing win over Saudi Arabia and delivering a solid performance against the Spaniards.

Issa has earned six caps for Egypt, with his goal against Saudi Arabia standing as his only international strike so far. Despite his relatively short stint with the national team, his recent form had positioned him as a valuable option ahead of the World Cup.

With his tournament hopes now dashed, Egypt must regroup quickly as they prepare for the challenge of competing on football’s biggest stage without one of their in-form players.