Mohamed Salah has been named captain of the Egyptian national team for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, marking his first time leading the squad in this prestigious tournament. The announcement was made by head coach Hossam Hassan, who revealed the preliminary squad on Wednesday.

Squad Details and Notable Omissions

Among the notable exclusions from the squad is Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed, who has struggled this season, netting only four goals in 24 matches as his team faced relegation from Ligue 1. In contrast, uncapped teenager Hamza Abdelkarim, a forward for Barcelona's under-19 team, has been included due to his impressive form in youth football.

Salah, who plays for Liverpool, will spearhead the attack alongside Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush. The squad will be trimmed to 26 players after Egypt's final home friendly against Russia in Cairo on May 28, prior to their departure for the tournament.

World Cup Schedule

Egypt is set to face Brazil in a friendly match in Cleveland on June 6, just days before their World Cup opener against Belgium in Seattle on June 15. Following this, they will play New Zealand in Vancouver on June 21, and conclude their Group G matches against Iran in Seattle on June 26.

The full squad includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, with Salah leading a team that aims to make a significant impact in the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.