The Egyptian Football Association are close to concluding adeal with their counterparts in Mexico for a friendly game in March as part of the two sides' preparations for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in Russia, EFA boss Hany Abo Rida announced on Thursday.

"We received an offer from the Mexican Football Federation to play a friendly next March and we are close to finalising the deal," Abo Rida was quoted as saying by Al-Ahram daily newspaper on Thursday.

"We also have more offers to play friendly games and we will chose the best after negotiations with the technical manager."

Egypt national team director Ihab Leheta said that the team had already started preparations for the 2018 World Cup finals.

"Egypt's friendly games will be played in Europe, not in Cairo," Leheta told a radio programme early on Thursday.

"Egypt national team coach Hector Cuper asked to play two friendly games next March with a big European teams," he added.

The Pharaohs were paired with Saudi Arabia, hosts Russia and South American powerhouse Uruguay in Group A following last week's World Cup draw in Moscow.

Mexico were also drawn in Group F of the 2018 World Cup finals alongside Germany, Sweden and South Korea.

The 2018 World Cup finals wil take place in Russia next year from 14 June to 15 July.

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