Egypt have taken another major step in their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after head coach Hossam Hassan confirmed a preliminary squad of 27 players before the final tournament selection is announced.

The Pharaohs gathered in Cairo as preparations intensified ahead of the global competition, with the national team staff keeping faith in the core of players that guided Egypt through qualification while also offering opportunities to several younger names hoping to secure a place on the final list.

Only 26 players can be registered for the World Cup, meaning one member of the current group will eventually miss out when the official squad is confirmed after Egypt’s final warm-up programme.

The training camp officially begins on May 21 at the National Teams Center in Cairo.

According to information reported by Ysscores, Egypt’s preparations will continue with a friendly match against Russia on May 28 before the final squad announcement is made.

The decision to announce an expanded preliminary group reflects the coaching staff’s desire to assess the physical condition and tactical readiness of every player before making the final cut.

It also allows Hossam Hassan to maintain competition within the squad at a crucial stage of preparation.

As expected, captain Mohamed Salah headlines the selection.

The Liverpool forward remains the central figure of the Egyptian team and is once again expected to carry much of the country’s attacking hopes heading into the tournament.

Alongside Salah, Omar Marmoush has also been included after continuing to establish himself as one of Egypt’s most influential attacking players.

Mahmoud Hassan Trézéguet and Imam Ashour are among the other notable names retained in the squad as Egypt aim to arrive at the World Cup with experience and attacking quality.

The squad announced by Hossam Hassan is balanced across all departments, featuring four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eleven midfielders and three forwards.

In goal, Egypt have selected Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, El-Mahdi Soliman and Mohamed Alaa.

The quartet will compete for places during the preparation camp, with El-Shenawy continuing as the most experienced option in the group.

Defensively, the coaching staff have maintained a familiar structure.

Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ahmed Fattouh and Karim Hafez are all part of the preliminary list as Egypt seek defensive stability ahead of the tournament.

The midfield area contains the largest number of players, underlining the tactical flexibility the Egyptian staff want before the World Cup begins.

Marwan Atia, Mohanad Lasheen, Nabil Emad Donga, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Imam Ashour, Mahmoud Saber, Mostafa Abdelraouf Ziko, Ibrahim Adel, Haitham Hassan, Trézéguet and Mohamed Salah were all selected.

The attacking line is completed by Omar Marmoush, Oktay Abdullah and Hamza Abdelkarim.

While many names were expected, attention has also focused on the inclusion of younger players hoping to establish themselves at senior international level.

The coaching staff appear determined to combine experienced leaders with emerging talent capable of bringing energy and competition to the squad.

Egypt’s final preparations now enter a decisive phase.

The friendly against Russia is expected to provide Hossam Hassan with one final opportunity to evaluate combinations, tactical organisation and player fitness before the official FIFA deadline.

The reduction from 27 players to 26 means every training session and every minute on the pitch could influence the final decision.

Competition for places is expected to intensify throughout the camp as players attempt to convince the coaching staff they deserve to travel to the tournament.

For Egypt, the World Cup represents another opportunity to reassert themselves on the global stage. With established stars such as Salah and Marmoush leading the squad, expectations among supporters remain high.

The coming days will now determine the final shape of the Pharaohs squad as Hossam Hassan prepares to make the final decision before Egypt head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.