Egypt kicks off World Cup build-up

Egypt national team director Ibrahim Hassan has outlined how the Pharaohs are getting ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The players started training at the National Teams Centre on Thursday. Hassan said the camp forms part of an intensive preparation programme designed to ensure the team reaches peak condition ahead of the tournament. The Pharaohs will remain at the National Teams Centre until May 26 before moving into a team hotel as preparations enter the next stage. Egypt is also scheduled to face Russia in a high-profile friendly on May 28 in the New Capital before heading to the United States on May 30. The final phase of preparations is seen as a major test for the squad. it’s basically their last real test before the tournament begins. Egypt is set to play Brazil in a friendly game on June 6 in the United States. Immediately after the match, the team heads to Spokane, California on June 7 to finish their World Cup prep. Hassan pointed out that every detail in the programme is meant to boost teamwork and unity, especially as Egypt is drawn in a demanding group alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand. According to Ibrahom, facing strong teams like Russia and Brazil really shows how prepared the squad is. Hassan added that Egypt is aiming to produce performances befitting the nation’s standing on the global stage, with the squad expected to rely on a balanced blend of experience and emerging talent. Coach Hossam Hassan has named a preliminary 27-man squad for the tournament. The preliminary squad will eventually be trimmed to FIFA’s required 26-man list following Egypt’s international friendly against Russia on May 28. The preliminary squad includes goalkeepers Mohamed El-Shennawy, Mostafa Shobeir, El-Mahdy Soliman and Mohamed Alaa. In defence, coach Hossam Hassan has selected Mohamed Hany, Tarek Alaa, Hamdi Fathi, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ahmed Fattouh and Karim Hafez. The midfield options feature Marwan Attia, Mohannad Lasheen, Nabil Emad Dunga, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Emam Ashour, Mostafa Ziko, Ibrahim Adel, Haitham Hassan and captain Mohamed Salah. Leading the attack are Omar Marmoush, Aktay Abdullah and teenage prospect Hamza Abdel Karim. The post Egypt kicks off World Cup build-up appeared first on Egyptian Gazette.