Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy has set his sights on leading the Pharaohs beyond the group stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the team believes it can achieve “something special” after years of limited success on football’s biggest stage.
Speaking in a FIFA interview, the Al Ahly captain reflected on his standout debut at Russia 2018, where he was named Man of the Match against Uruguay, and said that experience has strengthened his belief heading into a second World Cup appearance alongside senior teammates Mohamed Salah and Trezeguet.
Egypt have never won a match at the World Cup, but El Shenawy said the squad’s mindset has shifted following improved qualification campaigns and exposure to high level international opposition.
“We’ve gained a great deal of experience since that tournament,” he said, adding that the group now has clearer objectives, with an initial focus on reaching the knockout rounds.
Egypt have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, with El Shenawy describing their opening match against Belgium as “huge” and stressing the importance of starting the tournament with confidence.
He also pointed to his leadership role and that of senior players as key to guiding a relatively experienced core through the pressures of the tournament environment.
While cautious about expectations, El Shenawy struck an ambitious tone when discussing Egypt’s potential, saying the squad is targeting progression beyond the group stage as a first milestone in what they hope could become a historic campaign.
