Hamza Abdelkarim #9 of Egypt reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Australia and Egypt at Dallas Stadium. AFP
Egypt's promising forward Hamza Abdelkarim has described playing alongside national team captain Mohamed Salah as a dream come true, stressing that the Pharaohs are ready to face any opponent in the round of 16.
Egypt booked their place in the World Cup last 16 for the first time in their history after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Dallas on Friday.
Abdelkarim is the youngest member of Egypt's World Cup squad, and he has already featured in all the first-round games: the 1-1 draw with Belgium, the 3-1 win over New Zealand, and the 1-1 draw with Iran.
The 18-year-old also came off the bench during Egypt's victory over Australia.
"It’s a fantastic feeling to qualify, and the entire nation is celebrating," Abdelkarim told reporters in the mixed zone after the match. "I am learning and improving every single day, whether during training sessions or in matches."
The seven-time African Champions, Egypt, will be facing defending champions, Argentina, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Tuesday, after Lionel Scaloni's side battled past Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time on Friday to complete the last-16 bracket.
Abdelkarim, who just turned his loan deal from Egypt’s Ahly to Barcelona into a permanent move, hailed the role of team skipper Mohamed Salah, stressing that he is fully concentrated on playing football despite any criticism.
"Salah has been incredibly supportive since day one, constantly sharing his vast experience with everyone. I try to absorb as much as I can from him; his career is truly legendary, and sharing the pitch with him is a dream come true," he explained.
"We are fully prepared for any opponent in the Round of 16,” the youngster said before knowing that the next opponent would be Argentina.
“I am here only to play football and I don't pay attention to the media noise or what is being said about me; my entire focus is strictly on the pitch," he concluded.
Should Egypt progress, they would become only the fifth African nation to reach a World Cup quarter-final, with a last-eight clash against either Switzerland, Colombia, or Ghana awaiting the winner.
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