Haissem Hassan replaces Mohamed Salah ahead of Egypt’s pre-World Cup friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Spain

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has unveiled a 26-man squad for this month’s international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Spain, with fresh faces and notable absences shaping his selection.

The headline inclusion is Haissem Hassan, who earns his maiden call-up after completing a switch in international allegiance.

The Real Oviedo winger, eligible through Egyptian, Tunisian and French heritage, has been on the national team’s radar since last year, with discussions dating back to the summer. An earlier invitation in October failed to materialise, but the move has now been finalised.

Hassan began his professional journey with Châteauroux before a transfer to Villarreal CF in 2020. Across his career, the 24-year-old has contributed 15 goals and 22 assists in 246 appearances.

Another debutant in the squad is Nasser Mansi, rewarded for his impressive form with Zamalek SC. The 28-year-old striker has registered six goals and six assists in all competitions this season.

There is also a return for Mohamed Abdelmonem, who rejoins the national setup for the first time in a year after recovering from an ACL injury. The defender, now back in full training with OGC Nice, is yet to feature in an official match since his recovery.

However, Egypt will be without captain Mohamed Salah, who misses out after sustaining an injury during a recent clash involving Galatasaray SK. The absence of the Liverpool FC forward is a significant blow for the Pharaohs.

Egypt are scheduled to face Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on March 27 before travelling to Barcelona to take on Spain at the RCDE Stadium on March 31. The matches form part of their build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Drawn in Group G for the tournament, Egypt will come up against Belgium, Iran and New Zealand.

Egypt 26-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Ahly), El Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (Gouna)

Defenders: Mohamed Hany (Ahly), Tarek Alaa (ZED), Rami Rabia (Al Ain – UAE), Mohamed Abdel Moneim (Nice – France), Yasser Ibrahim (Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Khaled Sobhi (Masry), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek), Ahmed ‘Koka’ Nabil (Ahly)

Midfielders: Hamdy Fathy (Al-Wakrah – Qatar), Marwan Attia (Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Mahmoud Saber (ZED), Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed (Ahly), Emam Ashour (Ahly), Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan (Ahly), Omar Marmoush (Manchester City – England), Ibarhim Adel (FC Nordsjælland – Denmark), Haissam Hassan (Real Oviedo – Spain), Islam Eissa (Ceramica Cleopatra)

Forwards: Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes – France), Nasser Mansi (Zamalek)