BARCELONA — The Egyptian national team played out a goalless draw against Spain in an international friendly on Tuesday evening at the RCDE Stadium, home of Espanyol, in Barcelona.
The match was part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Egypt has been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, Spain will compete in Group H, where they face Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.
The Pharaohs surprised the home side in the second minute when Mohannad Lasheen attempted to capitalise on David Raya’s advanced position, firing a shot from midfield that the Spanish goalkeeper managed to save.
In the 15th minute, Spain’s Dani Olmo unleashed a powerful shot from inside the penalty area, which was saved by Egypt’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
The most dangerous chance of the match came in the 29th minute when Egypt’s star Omar Marmoush fired a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, but it struck the post.
Spain started the second half with intense pressure, and a dangerous long-range effort by Torres was saved by Shobeir.
Spain nearly scored in the 54th minute after a breakthrough by Fermín López, who dribbled past the Egyptian defence and fired from the left side of the penalty area, but Shobeir made another save.
In the 85th minute, Egypt was reduced to 10 men after midfielder Hamdi Fathi received a second yellow card, followed by a red.
On Friday night, Egypt delivered a strong performance, defeating Saudi Arabia 4–0 in an international friendly at Alinma Stadium in Jeddah.
Goals from Islam Issa, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, and Omar Marmoush – in the 4th, 16th, 44th, and 56th minutes – sealed a comfortable victory for the Pharaohs.
