Hamza Abdelkarim

Hamza Abdelkarim is the youngest member of Egypt's World Cup squad and one of the country's most highly rated young prospects.

Born in 2008, the striker's rise accelerated in 2026 when he joined FC Barcelona's reserve side, Barça Atlètic, shortly after his 18th birthday. Six months later, he earned a call-up to Egypt's senior national team.

Abdelkarim first came to prominence with Egypt's youth teams, scoring 12 goals in 17 appearances for the under-17 side and impressing at the 2025 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations and FIFA U-17 World Cup. His performances convinced Egypt coach Hossam Hassan to hand him his senior debut against Russia on May 28, 2026.

Powerful and physically imposing, the striker has drawn comparisons in the Spanish media with Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. At 18, he is among the youngest players at the tournament and provides Egypt with an additional attacking option. His inclusion came at the expense of more experienced forward Mostafa Mohamed of Nantes, underlining the coaching staff's faith in his potential.

Although he wears the number nine shirt, Abdelkarim is expected to play a supporting role behind more established figures such as Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush as he gains experience at international level.