Published On 9/6/2026
Egyptian national team stars Mohamed El-Shenawy and Mohamed Salah spoke on Monday about the ambitions of the “Pharaohs” before the 2026 World Cup, and stressed that they will do everything possible to please the Egyptian fans.
Egypt is preparing to face Belgium on June 15, at the beginning of its journey in Group Seven of the tournament held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, before meeting New Zealand and then Iran.
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El-Shenawy confirmed that his biggest dream is to win the 2026 World Cup, noting that the Pharaohs’ team “possesses ambition and sufficient experience to achieve a historic achievement in the tournament.”
The Egyptian Al-Ahly player said in statements to the official website of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) that the World Cup is a big event for every player, and he achieved this dream in the 2018 edition, and now he is preparing to compete in it for the second time, and he considered it a source of pride to represent his country in it.
He added: “This time the journey was easier. We were very focused during the qualifiers. The qualifying competitions were difficult, but we maintained our focus as one team. The first victories gave us a big boost and made the road easier in the subsequent matches.”
Between two championships
He explained: “In the 2018 World Cup, I actually remember our first match (against Uruguay), and the team (then) had not participated in the tournament for 28 years, so all the players were extremely focused. We could not sleep before the match due to the intensity of concentration and enthusiasm. Most of the players who were scheduled to participate in the match did not sleep, especially since the match was scheduled for twelve o’clock in the afternoon. For all of us, it was a dream come true.”
He continued: “The fans across Egypt were eagerly anticipating this match. We were all aware that we represent the entire Egyptian people, and it is a source of pride to represent your country in such a forum.”
El-Shenawy added: “We are seeking to qualify for the knockout rounds without a doubt, which is a goal for us. Mohamed Salah, Trezeguet, and I have previously participated in the World Cup, and we can transfer our experiences to the rest of the players and help them get used to the atmosphere of the tournament. We are preparing to compete in the World Cup against strong teams. This will be in our favor, because we will start the tournament in the best possible preparation.”
But he added that he aspires to win the World Cup, which is certainly difficult, but his goal and ambition are to participate in the tournament and win it, while he is fully aware of the strength of the participating teams. He pointed out that the players always talk together and strive to overcome the first round step by step.
He continued: “If you ask me about my dream, I will say that it is to win the World Cup.”
He explained, “Belgium’s opening match will be very difficult and important, especially for the players who will play their first match against Belgium in this stadium. Of course, the fans will be present, and will encourage both teams. For us, this is a big match, and the most important thing is that we enter it with great confidence, and, God willing, we will be able to achieve victory.”
Pride for Egyptians
On the other hand, the captain of the “Pharaohs,” Mohamed Salah, said that he wants the fans to feel proud of what his country’s team will achieve in the World Cup.
Egypt is seeking to achieve its first victory in the finals, during its fourth participation in the World Cup.
Salah continued in statements to reporters: “It is a strong group, everyone has a chance (to advance). We will give our best, and we hope to reach advanced stages.”
As Egypt seeks to go far in the World Cup, Salah aspires to become the best scorer in the history of the “Pharaohs”, as he is 3 goals behind his coach Hossam. Hassan, the former striker, who scored 68 goals.
