Egypt at the World Cup 2026: Squad, fixtures, group and history

Egypt return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 hoping to finally secure their first-ever victory on football’s biggest stage.

The Pharaohs are one of Africa’s most successful football nations with seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, but World Cup success has remained elusive throughout their history. Under the guidance of Egyptian legend Hossam Hassan, Egypt head to North America determined to change that record.

Group G Overview

Egypt have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand.

The Pharaohs face a difficult challenge against the experienced Belgians and a disciplined Iranian side, while New Zealand could also prove dangerous in what is expected to be a tightly contested group.

Group G Teams

Belgium
Egypt
Iran
New Zealand

Egypt Fixtures at World Cup 2026

Egypt will open their campaign against Belgium before taking on New Zealand and Iran in their remaining group-stage matches.

Fixtures

Belgium vs Egypt – Monday, 15 June 2026 – Seattle Stadium
New Zealand vs Egypt – Sunday, 21 June 2026 – BC Place Vancouver
Egypt vs Iran – Friday, 26 June 2026 – Seattle Stadium

Egypt World Cup History

Egypt have appeared at four FIFA World Cups in their history, participating in 1934, 1990, 2018 and 2026.

Despite their rich football tradition and dominance in African football, the Pharaohs remain without a World Cup victory, recording two draws and five defeats in seven tournament matches.

Italy 1934: Pioneering the Global Stage

Egypt became the first African and Arab nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

The tournament used a knockout format, and Egypt were defeated 4-2 by Hungary in their only match. However, striker Abdelrahman Fawzi made history by becoming the first African and Arab player to score at a World Cup after netting twice in the game.

Italy 1990: Return After 56 Years

After more than five decades away from the global stage, Egypt returned to the World Cup in Italy in 1990.

Led by legendary striker Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs impressed defensively and secured their first-ever World Cup points. Egypt drew 1-1 with European champions the Netherlands, with Magdi Abdelghani scoring a famous penalty, before also holding the Republic of Ireland to a goalless draw.

Despite their resilient performances, Egypt were eliminated in the group stage.

Russia 2018: Salah Leads the Comeback

Egypt ended a 28-year absence by qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The team was spearheaded by Mohamed Salah, although the Liverpool forward missed the opening game through injury. Salah scored Egypt’s only two goals of the tournament against Russia and Saudi Arabia, but the Pharaohs lost all three group matches.

2026 North America: Chasing History

Egypt qualified impressively for the expanded 48-team tournament under head coach Hossam Hassan.

The squad combines experienced stars such as Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Trezeguet with emerging talents including Omar Marmoush as Egypt continue their pursuit of a first-ever World Cup victory.

Egypt Final Squad for World Cup 2026

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 Oviedo)

Forwards

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Omar Marmoush (Manchester City)
Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi)
Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona)