Salah Leads Egypt’s World Cup Squad; Canada Includes Recovering Davies
Mohamed Salah, the star winger for Liverpool, will captain Egypt’s final squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America, as confirmed by coach Hossam Hassan on Saturday. The announcement comes ahead of the tournament, which kicks off next month.
Egypt’s Squad Highlights
The Egyptian lineup includes a notable addition: 18-year-old striker Hamza Abdel Karim, currently on loan from Al Ahly to Barcelona Atletic, the reserve team of the La Liga champions. This selection has generated interest, as Abdel Karim is seen as a rising talent in Egyptian football.
Omar Marmoush, a forward from Manchester City who netted eight goals in 36 appearances this season, is expected to spearhead Egypt’s attack during the tournament. Egypt is set to begin their World Cup journey against Belgium on June 15 in Seattle, as part of Group G, which also features New Zealand and Iran. Prior to the tournament, the team will face Brazil in a final friendly match on June 6 in Ohio.
The squad’s composition includes:
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El-Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna).
Defenders: Mohamed Abdelmonem (Nice), Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid, Ahmed Fattouh (Zamalek), Tarek Alaa (ZED), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah), Karim Hafez (Pyramids).
Midfielders: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Marwan Attia, Ahmed Mostafa “Zizo”, Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet”, Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Mostafa Abdel Raouf, Mohannad Lasheen (Pyramids), Haitham Hassan (Real Oviedo), Mahmoud Saber (ZED), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjælland), Nabil Emad (Al-Najma).
Forwards: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Hamza Abdel Karim (Barcelona Atletic).
Canada’s Squad Announcement
In a parallel development, Canada has confirmed that Alphonso Davies will be part of their World Cup squad, alleviating concerns regarding his fitness after suffering a hamstring injury during the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. The announcement of the 26-man team, which took place on Friday, included few surprises, with Bayern Munich’s Davies and other key players like Jonathan David from Juventus making the cut.
Coach Jesse Marsch expressed confidence in the squad, stating, “We really think this is our strongest group.” Despite facing injury challenges, several recovering players have been included. Davies is expected to join the team in Edmonton on May 31, allowing time for his recovery. Meanwhile, his teammates have been training in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Marsch has faced a dilemma in selecting the starting goalkeeper, feeling “tormented” by the decision between Maxime Crepeau of Orlando City and Dayne St. Clair of Inter Miami. The two goalkeepers, who are friends, have humorously suggested resolving their competition with a game of rock-paper-scissors.
Davies stands out among Canadian soccer players, who often remain less recognized compared to athletes in sports like ice hockey and basketball. His prominence was evident during the 2022 World Cup, where he garnered significant attention.
Notably absent from the squad is Junior Hoilett, a veteran player whose performance has declined at the age of 36. Marsch has emphasized the importance of speed in his selections.
Marsch, an American coach with a notable background, has previously managed RB Leipzig in Germany and Leeds United in England, along with a successful career in Major League Soccer. He remarked that he wishes injuries were not the primary focus of discussions surrounding Canada’s World Cup prospects, asserting that this squad is the best Canada has ever assembled.
The Canadian squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Maxime Crepeau (Orlando City SC), Owen Goodman (Barnsley FC, on loan from Crystal Palace FC), Dayne St. Clair (Inter Miami FC).
Defenders: Moise Bombito (OGC Nice), Derek Cornelius (Olympique de Marseille), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Luc de Fougerolles (Fulham FC), Alistair Johnston (Celtic FC), Alfie Jones (Middlesbrough FC), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC), Niko Sigur (Hajduk Split), Joel Waterman (Chicago Fire FC).
Midfielders: Ali Ahmed (Norwich City FC), Tajon Buchanan (Villarreal CF), Mathieu Choiniere (LAFC), Stephen Eustaquio (FC Porto), Marcelo Flores (Tigres UANL), Ismael Kone (U.S. Sassuolo Calcio), Liam Millar (Hull City FC), Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC), Nathan Saliba (R.S.C. Anderlecht), Jacob Shaffelburg (LAFC).
Forwards: Jonathan David (Juventus FC), Promise David (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise), Cyle Larin (RCD Mallorca), Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal CF).
For further details, visit the source: www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-05-30 11:28:00 • By the Editorial Desk
