Attia: Egypt's squad has outstanding talent

• Egypt will make their fourth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026

• They will take on Belgium, New Zealand and Iran in Group G

• The midfield star for the Pharaohs shares his ambitions with FIFA ahead of his maiden showing at the global event

In the world of football, there are players who steal the spotlight by scoring goals. Others set the rhythm, keeping the side together on the pitch, and Marwan Attia is undoubtedly one of those maestros. Behind his composed exterior is the soul of a warrior, and with feet that rarely err in dictating the tempo, the Al Ahly star has become the irreplaceable piece on Egypt’s chessboard.

Egyptian football is enjoying a purple patch, with the Pharaohs having cruised to FIFA World Cup 2026™ qualification undefeated, sealing their place with a game to spare. That feat has handed 27-year-old Attia and his team-mates a huge responsibility. The dream is no longer merely to make it to North America, but to represent Arab and African football in a special World Cup that will feature 48 teams for the first time.

With the tournament six months away, memories turn to Egypt’s previous appearances in 1934, 1990 and 2018. Despite the fighting spirit those teams showed, they all share the same unhappy statistic: Egypt have never won a World Cup match. Today, Attia and his generation look to shatter that ceiling and transform gritty performance into tangible results that will etch Egypt’s name into the annals of global glory.

FIFA conducted an exclusive interview with Marwan Attia to discuss Egypt’s return to the World Cup after missing the last edition, their group-stage opponents and the current squad.

FIFA: A new African odyssey begins for the Pharaohs in Morocco. How do you feel today compared to your first international call-up?FIFA: A new African odyssey begins for the Pharaohs in Morocco. How do you feel today compared to your first international call-up?

Marwan Attia: Wearing the Egypt shirt is always a massive honour for any player, and participating in a major event like the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is truly special.

You played a pivotal role with the team in the qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Describe your feelings at the moment Egypt sealed qualification with a game to spare.You played a pivotal role with the team in the qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Describe your feelings at the moment Egypt sealed qualification with a game to spare.

It was an extraordinary feeling, of course. Being part of a national team that qualified for the World Cup – the most important and toughest tournament of all – is the pinnacle of pride. What makes this an unforgettable achievement is that we truly earned it on merit, topping the group without losing a match.

Competing in a World Cup is the ultimate dream for any footballer. What does it mean to you personally to appear on that global stage for the first time?Competing in a World Cup is the ultimate dream for any footballer. What does it mean to you personally to appear on that global stage for the first time?

Appearing at the 2026 World Cup is a dream and a huge honour for any player representing his country, of course, and I’m absolutely thrilled to have reached this milestone and to be going to the World Cup for the first time in my career. I’m immensely proud, and I’m amped for the tournament because of its prestige as the most important event in world football.

Group G pits you against Belgium, IR Iran and New Zealand. How do you assess the balance of power in the group, and which team's playing style do you think might pose the biggest challenge? Group G pits you against Belgium, IR Iran and New Zealand. How do you assess the balance of power in the group, and which team's playing style do you think might pose the biggest challenge?

Any team that reaches the World Cup is, by definition, a strong team, given that they qualified from a continent full of tough competitors. We have total respect for all the teams. Modern football isn’t about history anymore – it’s about what you deliver on the pitch.

Of course, our group includes formidable opponents. Belgium have big-name stars in various European leagues, Iran are a major power in Asia, and New Zealand have a distinctive playing style. We’ll give everything to perform at the highest level and get the results our ambitions demand.

Egypt have appeared at three previous World Cups but have never won a match. Does the current generation, which blends seasoned professionals with hungry young talents, have what it takes to break the curse and claim a historic first victory?Egypt have appeared at three previous World Cups but have never won a match. Does the current generation, which blends seasoned professionals with hungry young talents, have what it takes to break the curse and claim a historic first victory?

We have outstanding talent on the current squad. There are elite players like Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed, along with top performers in the Egyptian league – Trezeguet, Emam Ashour, Zizo and many others. I think they’ll make a strong contribution, and we’ll all do our utmost in the tournament to achieve positive results. Our primary objective is to secure Egypt’s first ever victory.

What are your expectations for the atmosphere in North America, and what’s your message to the fans?What are your expectations for the atmosphere in North America, and what’s your message to the fans?

I expect an excellent tournament, which is only natural given the stature of the World Cup, the most important and toughest tournament for every team and every player. Everyone gives absolutely everything to compete for the title.

And certainly, I hope that the fans will fill the stands for Egypt’s matches. Crowd support is critical for us as players and indispensable for any team seeking positive results.

Regarding the Africa Cup of Nations, Egyptian supporters are counting heavily on your role in dictating the tempo in the midfield. Do those expectations motivate you or add pressure in the run-up to the tournament?Regarding the Africa Cup of Nations, Egyptian supporters are counting heavily on your role in dictating the tempo in the midfield. Do those expectations motivate you or add pressure in the run-up to the tournament?

I’m so happy they have trust in me, which gives me huge motivation. I always give everything, alongside my teammates, to put on a strong showing. What matters most is winning matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and living up to our responsibilities and the expectations of the fans.

Following the defeat in the final two editions ago and the early exit last time out, what pledge have you made as players within the camp to ensure you return home with an eighth title?Following the defeat in the final two editions ago and the early exit last time out, what pledge have you made as players within the camp to ensure you return home with an eighth title?

Going out in the round of 16 in Côte d’Ivoire was tough, no doubt. We’re determined to put things right in this edition of AFCON under coach Hossam Hassan. Everyone is working tirelessly to go as far as possible and capture the title.

How do you rate the competition in your AFCON group, which pits you against Zimbabwe, Angola and South Africa?How do you rate the competition in your AFCON group, which pits you against Zimbabwe, Angola and South Africa?

The competition in the Africa Cup of Nations in general, and our group in particular, will be difficult for everyone. We respect all our opponents, especially since the map of African football is changing and all the teams are showing remarkable development. We’re ready, though. We have top players and a coaching staff capable of navigating these challenges.