Marmoush raises World Cup expectations for Egypt after Morocco’s historic run

Egyptian star Omar Marmoush has raised expectations for the Pharaohs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pointing to Morocco’s breakthrough performance in the previous tournament as proof that African and Arab nations can compete at the highest level.

Morocco’s 2022 Run Sets the Benchmark

Morocco made history at the 2022 World Cup by becoming the first Arab and African nation to reach the semi-finals. The team eventually finished in fourth place, but their run redefined expectations for teams from the region.

For Marmoush, that achievement remains a key reference point as Egypt prepares for its own campaign on football’s biggest stage.

“Anything is Possible” — Marmoush on Egypt’s Ambition

Speaking in an interview with GQ magazine, the Manchester City forward stressed that Egypt must dream big while remaining grounded in reality.

“The World Cup represents a footballing moment during which you can dream of reaching the furthest possible point. We recently saw how Morocco reached the semi-finals of the 2022 edition, which proves that anything is possible,” he said.

One Game at a Time in a Tough Group

Egypt have been drawn into a challenging group featuring Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran. Marmoush emphasised the importance of approaching the tournament step by step rather than getting carried away by expectations.

“After the group stage, which includes Belgium, New Zealand and Iran, we have to take the tournament one game at a time,” he added.

Balancing Realism With Big Dreams

While optimistic, Marmoush acknowledged the difficulty of competing against the world’s best teams on such a stage. He insisted that Egypt must stay realistic while still aiming high.

“We have to be realistic, of course, as we will be facing the best national teams in the world, and that is not easy. But we always dream big,” he explained.

He also highlighted the significance of increased representation from the Middle East and North Africa at the tournament, urging Egypt to make a strong impression rather than focusing only on participation numbers.

Personal Moments and Return to Camp

Marmoush missed part of Egypt’s pre-World Cup training camp in the United States with permission from the technical staff to attend his wedding ceremony. He is expected to join the squad on Tuesday.

Egypt are scheduled to face Brazil in a warm-up match before opening their World Cup campaign against Belgium on June 15.

Football Inspirations

Reflecting on his football memories, Marmoush recalled iconic World Cup moments that shaped his love for the game, including Zinedine Zidane’s Panenka penalty in the 2006 final and the brilliance of Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

“I loved the way he played, always smiling and happy,” he said of Ronaldinho, describing him as his favourite player growing up.