Egypt include Barcelona talent Hamza Abdel Karim in preliminary 2026 World Cup squad

Egypt have included Barcelona teenager Hamza Abdel Karim in their preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Pharaohs are gearing for the global showpiece to be co-hosted in North America by USA, Canada and Mexico, with 48 countries expected to battle it out for the covetous trophy.

However, Egypt football director, Ibrahim Hassan, has disclosed that the enterprising attacker, who secured a loan move to Barcelona in the winter window from Al Ahly has been included in the provisional squad for the biggest soccer mundial.

“Hamza Abdel Karim is included in the preliminary list of the Egyptian national team that will participate in the 2026 World Cup,” he said at the Egyptian Football Association’s media center.

He also disclosed that the final squad list for the tournament will officially be submitted at the beginning of June as preparations intensify for the competition.

Egypt have been drawn in Group G for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Belgium national football team, Iran national football team, and New Zealand national football team in what promises to be a challenging group for the North African giants.

The Pharaohs are also set to engage in two high-profile international friendlies as part of their preparations for the tournament. Egypt will first face Russia national football team on May 28 before taking on five-time world champions Brazil national football team on June 7.

Hamza Abdel Karim’s inclusion in the preliminary squad highlights the growing confidence in the youngster’s potential and could signal a major breakthrough moment in his international career if he secures a place in the final squad.

The talented attacker has been regarded as one of the promising young players emerging from Barcelona’s system, and his possible participation at the World Cup would represent a significant milestone for both the player and Egyptian football.