Egypt have submitted 50-man provisional squad to FIFA, as preparations intensify for the upcoming 2026 World Cup tournament.
The global showpiece, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico will feature an expanded 48 countries, with Egypt securing one of Africa’s nine automatic slots.
The Pharaohs are paired in Group G against Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, with the North African giants aiming to advance past the group stage for the first time in their history.
According to reports, the administrative staff of Egypt has already submitted the extended list to FIFA, marking the first formal step in the build-up to the global showpiece.
Besides, management has been actively working behind the scenes, requesting official documentation for around 40 players as part of early logistical preparations.
The visa applications for entry into the United States will be processed in phases, ensuring that all potential squad members are ready for travel when final decisions are made.
The move comes just weeks before the official announcement of the final squad, as Egypt prepares for a pre-tournament training camp expected to be held at the end of May in the United States.
Egypt technical team led by Hossam Hassan are expected to trim the expanded list down to the final tournament squad closer to the deadline, with competition for places expected to be intense across all positions.
The expanded format of the tournament means increased squad depth and preparation are considered crucial, particularly with FIFA’s new administrative requirements for team registration and travel logistics.
The preparations also come in the wake of recent changes introduced by FIFA, including adjustments to disciplinary rules and an increase in prize money for participating teams—factors that add further importance to early planning.
The 2026 edition of the World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, making it the first-ever tournament jointly hosted by three countries.
With qualification secured and preparations underway, attention will soon shift to the final squad announcement, where only a fraction of the current 50-man pool will make the cut.
For now, Egypt’s focus remains on structure, logistics, and readiness as they aim to make a strong impression on football’s biggest stage.
Source: Ghanasoccernet