Egypt striker Hamza Abdelkarim, just 18 years old and one of the youngest players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is handling soccer's biggest stage with the composure of a seasoned professional. Standing 6 feet tall, he is one of 22 teenagers on tournament squads and the youngest player ever to represent Egypt in the World Cup.
Abdelkarim's Debut and Poise Under Pressure
Abdelkarim came on as a substitute for Mohamed Salah in the 76th minute of Egypt's Group G opener against Belgium, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Following the match, he confidently addressed the media. “The whole team wanted the three points. We got one point at the end, but we gave it our all. And we need to thank the fans that came, the atmosphere was great and we focus on the next match,” he said.
Fast Rise from Al Ahly to Barcelona
Abdelkarim had never played for Egypt's senior team before being named to the preliminary World Cup squad in May. He made his debut that month in a tune-up match against Russia as an 86th-minute substitute. At club level, he became the youngest player for Egyptian Premier League giants Al Ahly when he debuted at age 17. Earlier this year, he was loaned to Barcelona, making his debut with Barcelona Juvenil in March. Barcelona is expected to make the move permanent soon. To cap his rapid ascent, he recently signed a sponsorship deal with Nike.
Egypt's Veterans and Future Plans
Egypt still leans heavily on Mohamed Salah, now 34, who had nine goals and three assists in six World Cup qualifying matches, and 27-year-old Omar Marmoush of Manchester City. However, coach Hossam Hassan emphasizes a collective approach. “What matters to me is that the Egyptian fans who are watching us now — and what the whole world wants to see — is that the performance of the Egyptian national team earns great respect. They should see that besides all the stars such as Omar and Salah, there is collective football that does not depend on a single player, and that we work in an organized collective manner,” Hassan said.
Group G Battle and Other Teen Stars
Egypt faces New Zealand on Sunday in Vancouver, with both teams seeking their first-ever World Cup win. New Zealand drew 2-2 with Iran in its opener, leaving all four Group G teams level on points. The youngest player at the World Cup is Mexico's Gilberto Mora, aged 17. Other notable teenagers include Spain's Lamine Yamal, Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye (both 18), and Brazil's Endrick (19).
