Zamalek star Nasser Mansi at risk of missing 2026 World Cup amid poor form

Zamalek striker Nasser Mansi is at risk of missing out on Egypt squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament amid concerns over his recent performances.

The Pharaohs coach Hossam Hassan prepares to name his final squad for the tournament to be co-hosted in North America by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to reports in Egypt, Mansi’s place in the Pharaohs’ final World Cup squad is now under serious threat after a noticeable dip in form raised doubts within Hossam Hassan’s led technical team.

The technical team is said to have expressed reservations about Mansi’s technical level in recent matches and are now closely monitoring his performances in Zamalek’s final fixtures of the season before making a definitive decision.

The striker is expected to have one final opportunity to impress in upcoming matches against USM Alger and Ceramica Cleopatra FC.

Those games are now viewed as crucial auditions that could determine whether he secures a place on Egypt’s final World Cup roster.

Reports further claim that the Egyptian technical staff are currently choosing between three attacking options for one remaining place in the squad.

Alongside Nasser Mansi, both Salah Mohsen and Hamza Abdel Karim are also being considered after all three players were included in Egypt’s preliminary 50-man squad for the tournament.

The competition for attacking positions has intensified as the coaching staff aim to finalize a balanced squad capable of competing at the highest level.

For Mansi, the timing of the dip in form could not be worse. With the World Cup rapidly approaching, every performance is now under heavy scrutiny.

The Zamalek forward had previously been viewed as one of the potential attacking options capable of offering depth and physical presence in Egypt’s frontline, but inconsistent displays have now placed his international future in doubt.

Egypt have been drawn into a challenging Group G alongside Belgium national football team, Iran national football team, and New Zealand national football team for the 2026 World Cup, which will be staged in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

As part of their preparations, the Pharaohs are also scheduled to play two high-profile friendly matches, beginning with a clash against Russia national football team on May 28 before a blockbuster showdown against Brazil national football team on June 7.

With competition fierce and expectations high, Nasser Mansi now enters a decisive phase in his season.

The coming matches may determine whether he realizes his dream of representing Egypt on football’s biggest stage—or watches the World Cup from the outside looking in.