Egyptian youngster Hamza Abdel Karim among 15 Barcelona players set for World Cup adventure

Young Egyptian forward Hamza Abdel Karim is among 15 players from Barcelona set to participate in the 2026 World Cup.

The teenager’s rapid rise has drawn attention across Europe and Africa, with his development closely followed since joining Barcelona on loan from Al Ahly SC earlier this year. His inclusion in a group of Barcelona-linked players heading to the World Cup highlights the club’s growing influence on the international stage, as well as the increasing prominence of its young talents.

According to reports, Abdel Karim’s name stands out within the group not only because of his age but also due to his remarkable breakthrough season. The forward has quickly transitioned from youth football into senior recognition, earning a place in the Egyptian national setup after progressing from the under-19 level to the senior squad in a short period.

His journey has been closely monitored by Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, who is said to view the player as part of the club’s long-term project. While Barcelona have not yet made a final decision on activating their option to buy him permanently, his performances have ensured that he remains firmly in their plans heading into preseason.

Abdel Karim’s impact on the pitch has been impressive since overcoming early administrative delays that postponed his debut. Once available for selection, he made an immediate statement, scoring eight goals in 11 appearances and quickly establishing himself as one of the most efficient young attackers in the squad.

Born in 2008, the 1.82m forward is known for his physical strength, sharp movement inside the penalty area, and clinical finishing ability. His performances at youth international level, particularly with Egypt’s under-17 side, have also contributed to his growing reputation, where he impressed at continental and global competitions.

His rise has inevitably drawn comparisons with Egypt’s global superstar Mohamed Salah, with fans and media highlighting similarities in his attacking instincts and confidence in front of goal. While such comparisons are still premature, they underline the level of excitement surrounding his development.

As the World Cup approaches, Abdel Karim now finds himself at a pivotal moment in his young career. Competing alongside seasoned professionals on football’s biggest stage will provide a major test of his ability, mentality, and consistency.

For Barcelona, the tournament also represents a valuable opportunity to assess one of their most promising prospects in a high-pressure environment before making a final decision on his future.

Whether he remains in Catalonia beyond this summer or embarks on another chapter elsewhere, Hamza Abdel Karim’s presence among 15 Barcelona-linked World Cup players marks him out as one of the most exciting young names to watch in international football.