World Cup 2026: Omar Marmoush backs Egypt to achieve great things at tournament

Egypt forward Omar Marmoush has made it clear that the Pharaohs are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with ambitions far beyond simply participating.

The Manchester City attacker believes Egypt have the quality to challenge on the biggest stage and has set the target of progressing beyond the group phase.

Egypt’s Ambition

Speaking to Manchester City’s official magazine, Marmoush said the squad is approaching the tournament with confidence and determination.

“Our ambitions are high, the players have great confidence, and we hope to achieve something that will raise the name of Egypt.”

He also expressed strong belief in the strength of the national team.

“With the players we have, the team we have, and the quality we possess, we, as the Egyptian national team, are the best team in Africa.”

Marmoush stressed that Egypt are not travelling to the World Cup merely to make up the numbers.

“We are going to the World Cup to get past the group stage and show the world who we are, not just to be present.”

He acknowledged the challenge of facing elite international opponents but insisted that the team’s mindset is focused on competing rather than participating.

“We’re not going to the World Cup just to play, we’re going to compete for the title.”

“Of course we must be realistic, we will be playing against some of the best teams in the world, and the level of the teams we will face is high, but we are not going with the mentality that we will play three matches and then leave.”

Marmoush believes Egypt have the ability to advance if they take the tournament one step at a time.

“God willing, we will succeed. We will try to get through the group stage, and then we will take the tournament one match at a time.”

Egypt are making their first World Cup appearance since 2018 and will hope that Marmoush’s confidence can help inspire a strong campaign in North America.