Hamza Abdelkarim, an 18-year-old forward on loan from Barcelona, has been named in Egypt’s final squad for the 2026 World Cup despite playing only five minutes for the senior national team. His inclusion comes as a surprise, showcasing his potential alongside stars like Mohamed Salah. Egypt opens their campaign against Belgium on June 15, and Abdelkarim’s performance could attract attention for a permanent transfer to Barcelona. His impact in youth football has set high expectations for this calculated gamble by the national team.
