Marwan Attia says Egypt’s current generation has the balance and quality to compete at the World Cup, as the Pharaohs prepare for their fourth appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Egypt | By Sayer Zaland
ASJFNews | 21 December 2025
Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia believes the national team’s blend of experience and emerging talent gives the Pharaohs a strong platform heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following an unbeaten qualification campaign.
Speaking to FIFA, the Al Ahly midfielder described qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament as a defining moment in his career, calling it “the pinnacle of pride” after Egypt topped their group without defeat and sealed their place with a match to spare.
Egypt have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, IR Iran and New Zealand. Attia said the group demands full focus, stressing that modern football is decided by performance rather than reputation. He highlighted Belgium’s European-based stars, Iran’s tactical strength, and New Zealand’s distinct playing style as challenges that require disciplined preparation.
Attia also underlined the responsibility carried by the current squad, which includes senior figures such as Mohamed Salah alongside in-form players from both European leagues and the Egyptian domestic competition. He said the team’s immediate goal is to secure Egypt’s first-ever World Cup match victory.
Looking ahead to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Attia acknowledged the expectations placed on him to control the midfield, describing fan trust as motivation rather than pressure. He added that the squad remains determined to rebound from recent AFCON setbacks and compete for the title under head coach Hossam Hassan.
Egypt will appear at the FIFA World Cup for the fourth time in 2026, having previously featured in 1934, 1990 and 2018. Despite a strong footballing tradition in Africa and the Arab world, the Pharaohs have yet to record a World Cup win. The 2026 tournament in North America marks their return after missing the 2022 edition.