Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy has predicted the North Africans will face a tough test when they come up against Belgium in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on June 15th.
The Pharaohs will kick off their Group G campaign at Seattle Stadium. Egypt will be making their fourth appearance in the global stage having qualified three times before – in 934, 1990, and 2018.
They hold the historic distinction of being the first African and Arab nation to ever play in the tournament. Despite their continental success, they have never won a match in the World Cup finals.
Ahead of their opener, El Shenawy told FIFA.com: “It will be a huge match for us. We’ve played Belgium before, but things are clearly different now, and the circumstances will be different too.
“It’s definitely a huge match for us and a momentous occasion for the players who will be facing Belgium for the first time in that stadium. And of course, the fans will be there, cheering on both sides.
“It’s a major match for us, and the most important thing is that we go into it full of confidence. God willing, we’ll be able to come away with the win.”
On why Egypt are yet to win the World Cup despite having quality players, he said: “We’ve lacked experience. We hadn’t qualified for the World Cup in 28 years, and it was the team’s first time competing at that level, so it was only natural that we lacked experience.“
Credit: flashscore.com.gh
