Mohamed Salah has been named in Egypt’s squad for the upcoming crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Djibouti, marking his return under new head coach Hossam Hassan.
The Liverpool star, who missed the Pharaohs’ friendlies in March due to injury, is set to play a pivotal role as Egypt looks to solidify their lead in Group A.
Salah’s return is a significant boost for Hassan, whose squad also sees a first senior call-up for Pyramids winger Ibrahim Adel, after his impressive performances for the U-23 team that reached the Africa Cup of Nations final last year.
However, there is no place for Al Ahly full-back Omar Kamal, a regular under former coach Carlos Queiroz.
Egypt currently sits atop their qualifying group with six points, following victories over Djibouti and Sierra Leone last November.
With only the group winners guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Hassan is well aware of the importance of these fixtures.
The Pharaohs will host Niger in Cairo on June 15 before traveling to Djibouti City for their match on June 19.
Salah, who has faced criticism for his recent form due to an injury-affected second half of the season at Anfield, will be eager to make a significant impact on his return.
The 30-year-old’s enduring quality makes him a game-changer for the Pharaohs as they strive to qualify for their fourth World Cup.
Despite the limited pedigree of Niger and Djibouti, Hassan anticipates stiff opposition and knows that Egypt’s hopes of progression may hinge on the performances of key players like Salah in these crucial qualifiers.
Egypt Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Awad, El-Mahdi Soliman.
Defenders: Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Ahmed Ramadan ‘Beckham’, Mohamed Hany, Akram Tawfik, Mohamed Hamdy, Ahmed Fatouh.
Midfielders: Marwan Ateya, Hamdy Fathi, Ahmed Nabil Kouka, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Nasser Maher, Ibrahim Adel, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Fathi, Mahmoud Trezeguet.
Forwards: Mostafa Mohamed, Mohamed El-Shamy, Ahmed Amin Oufa, Mohamed Sherif.
