Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah has secured a spot in Egypt’s preliminary squad for the World Cup 2026, announced by the Egyptian Football Association on Tuesday. Salah joins a 26‑player list that includes Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and Barcelona forward Hamza Abdelkarim. The roster will be trimmed by one player later this month. His selection comes after a 12‑goal league campaign.

Egypt’s 26-man pool features three Al Ahly keepers, defenders from Al Wakrah and Nice, and midfielders anchored by Al Ahly’s Marwan Ateya. Forward Omar Marmoush, currently on Manchester City’s books, also makes the list, highlighting the diaspora of Egyptian talent across Europe and the Gulf. Salah’s inclusion adds Premier League experience to a side that struggled in the 2022 qualifiers for Egypt.

With the final squad to be announced in June, Salah’s form for Liverpool will be under intense scrutiny as Egypt aim to improve on their lone appearance in 2018 under coach Roberto. A strong showing could boost his market value and reinforce Egypt’s bid to become a regular World Cup contender. The final cut will determine whether the veteran leads the attack.