A first win at a World Cup is the floor-level target for a team that still relies heavily on the ability of Mohamed Salah

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is named in Egypt's preliminary World Cup squad, which will be trimmed by one player this month.

And ever since that ill-fated journey, when it comes to the World Cup, Egypt have been missing the boat in one way or another. Giants of African football, but minnows in the World Cup pool. Harsh, but fair.

When Egypt's all-time leading scorer Hossam Hassan headed the winner against Algeria to send his country to the 1990 World Cup, frenzied celebrations erupted across the ​soccer-mad nation.

A select group of fans will be able to see Team Egypt practice at Luger Field at Gonzaga University on Wednesday, June 10 at noon.

After an unbeaten qualifying campaign, Egypt target a historic first World Cup win and a place beyond the group stage.

The first African nation to appear at the World Cup, Egypt are now set for a fourth appearance and head to North America searching for a first match victory in the competition. The Pharaohs went unbeaten in World Cup qualifying,

The 2026 World Cup is upon us so it's time to look at the 48 participants – that includes Group G, where Egypt will hope Mo Salah can conjure some magic and help them progress. Manager: Rudi Garcia. French coach took over from Domenico Tedesco – who was sacked after a run of two wins in 10 games – at the start of 2025.