Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy confident ahead of 'huge' World Cup opener

Mohamed El Shenawy believes Egypt will face a formidable test in their 2026 World Cup opener against Belgium on June 15 in Seattle, but insists the team must approach the match with confidence. The Pharaohs, making their fourth World Cup appearance after 1934, 1990 and 2018, remain the first African and Arab nation to play in the tournament, yet they have never won a World Cup match. El Shenawy noted that past struggles stemmed from inexperience, as Egypt had gone 28 years without qualifying before Russia 2018.

He stressed that the current squad has gained valuable maturity through matches against top international sides and can “achieve something special” by aiming for the knockout rounds. Alongside Mohamed Salah and Trezeguet, El Shenawy hopes to pass on experience to younger teammates. Reflecting on his standout 2018 debut, he said Egypt are fully motivated and preparing step by step for a historic campaign.