Egypt’s national football team takes on Belgium tomorrow at 10 PM Cairo time in Seattle.
This is the Pharaohs’ first match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament is held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with 48 teams taking part.
Egypt will then face New Zealand in Vancouver on June 22 at 4 AM Cairo time, before wrapping up the group stage against Iran in Seattle on June 27 at 6 AM Cairo time.
National team coach Hossam Hassan reflected on the team’s recent preparations and friendly matches.
He described the 2-1 loss to Brazil as a “useful test”, especially for the younger players, saying it was a valuable experience against one of the world’s top teams.
The team also had some good results in warm-up games, including a 1-0 win over Russia, a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Spain, and a strong 4-0 victory against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah.
Hassan reassured fans that Mohamed Salah is fully fit and completely involved in the team’s preparations.
He warned that Belgium would be a very tough opponent and described the whole group as “extremely competitive”.
To get ready, Hassan has been pushing the forwards hard. He made it clear he would not accept selfish play in attack. He also held long meetings with the players to fix technical mistakes and improve their finishing.
Fans ready
Neither the long distances nor the awkward kick-off times will stop Egyptian fans from supporting their team.
The excitement for the World Cup has swept across the country. A recent survey by Ipsos of 500 Egyptian adults showed just how passionate fans are.
Despite the time difference, 94% plan to watch the opening ceremony, and 89% want to watch the matches live rather than recorded.
Around 84% said they are willing to change their sleep schedules, staying up late or waking up early, to follow the games in real time.
High hopes
“Egypt will draw 1-1 with Belgium and Salah will score,” said fan Morad Emara. “We look forward to this tournament every four years, and we’re really excited to follow Egypt.”
Marwan Mohamed was even more optimistic: “Egypt will beat Belgium and finish top of the group.”
Others noted that the World Cup is always full of surprises and impossible to predict.
To boost support for the team, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has launched a big national campaign called “Egypt Behind Its National Team”.
Under the slogan “One Team, One People, One Dream,” the initiative aims to bring all Egyptians together behind Coach Hassan and the players.
The national team is less about football players and more about the dream of an entire nation.
