This piece forms part of the Guardian 2026 World Cup Experts Network, linking top media outlets from all 48 qualified nations. theguardian.com publishes previews from three teams daily ahead of the event starting 11 June.

The plan

Egypt reached the World Cup without a loss following their absence from Qatar 2022, securing qualification with a match remaining. They netted 19 goals across nine fixtures, led by Mohamed Salah on nine, allowed just two goals and recorded seven shutouts. Although qualifying stats impressed, Egypt favor a practical setup over flair and applied similar tactics at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations: compact matches, extended periods without possession, swift transitions to Salah or Omar Marmoush. A semi-final loss to Senegal highlighted this approach, as the team focused on resilience instead of dominance.

Egypt are expected to open with a 4-3-3 that shifts to 4-2-3-1 when chasing results, and may adopt a 3-5-2 versus aggressive presses. Mohamed El-Shenawy should start in goal, though Mostafa Shobeir has challenged the experienced keeper recently. The defensive core appears reliable with Rami Rabia alongside Hossam Abdelmaguid or Yasser Ibrahim. Marwan Attia and Hamdi Fathi protect the defense while Emam Ashour aims to supply the forward line.

Coach Hossam Hassan has indicated no major tactical overhaul, noting he has finalized around 90 percent of the lineup. He portrays the group as entirely homegrown unlike some African sides featuring overseas talent. Ahmed Sayed, known as Zizo, notes that Hassan differs from prior foreign managers by instilling confidence regardless of recent form.

Egypt remain organized, difficult to breach and fully invested, yet can appear limited when sides crowd Salah and the midfield struggles to advance the ball. Drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, Egypt seek their first World Cup win as a minimum objective.

The coach

Hossam Hassan holds the record as Egypt national team top scorer and stands as a revered figure. His managerial record draws less attention, with no trophies across nine clubs and two national sides. Appointed in 2024, his role carried nationalistic emphasis immediately. Upon qualification he stated the achievement pleased Egyptian football and its people under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Following the 2025 Afcon semi-final exit, Hassan cited mosquito issues at hotels and fixture timing before emphasizing national pride. He claimed Egypt leads Arabs and Africa with unmatched history and seven African Cup titles, attributing envy to rivals. Pressed on tactics, he dismissed the query as disrespectful and declined to respond, consistent with his style.

Star player

Mohamed Salah remains central despite a more ordinary club phase. For Egypt he embodies both the attack and its spirit. He proved decisive in qualifying, scoring twice to clinch the spot and avoiding late tension. Salah turns 34 on the day of Egypt first group game. Nearing the close of his international tenure, he recognizes this may represent his last opportunity to alter that record.

One to watch

FC Nordsjaelland forward Ibrahim Adel operates beyond the touchline, targeting half-spaces, arriving at the far post and pressing more eagerly than many Egyptian forwards accustomed to counters. The 25-year-old excels through positioning. He may not feature from the start each time, yet provides an independent wide option that lessens reliance on Salah alone. This event could establish him at this standard or expose gaps.

Unsung hero

Marwan Attia brings balance to the midfield. The 27-year-old shields defenders, tracks full-backs, halts breaks, restarts play, handles pressured passes and frees Emam Ashour plus wingers to advance. Post-qualification, Attia described the World Cup as a proud moment and highlighted the squad potential for strong outcomes, notably Egypt first World Cup win.

Probable starting XI

What to expect from fans?

Egyptian backing will appear, yet not broadly representative. Most Egyptians will follow from home or cafes, often via phone against a tea cup. North America lies farther than Qatar and Egypt lacks visa waiver access. The 185 dollar application fee surpasses the current minimum wage of 132 dollars, excluding travel and lodging costs. Anticipate diaspora supporters, affluent locals, business attendees and expatriates. The Ultras, once prominent in Egyptian football, face ongoing restrictions since 2013 as designated terrorist groups, with many imprisoned.

Relationship with the US/Trump?

The team and federation maintain no public stance on America, though state ties reveal more. Under Donald Trump Cairo has enjoyed favorable relations and reduced rights scrutiny. In his initial term Trump labeled Sisi his favorite dictator, and the second term exempted Egypt along with Israel from broader aid pauses.

The Egyptian leader reciprocated, calling Trump uniquely positioned to foster regional peace. The main World Cup tension centers on culture. The federation requested Fifa prevent LGBTQ pride events around Egypt versus Iran in Seattle, citing conflicts with local values. Both nations opposed the Pride-branded match tied to Seattle Pride weekend, arranged prior to the draw.

Written by Saher Ahmed for Kingfut.com