Mohamed El Shenawy

Mohamed El Shenawy is a goalkeeper confirmed in Egypt's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, named after the final list was announced on 30 May. The long-serving Al Ahly number one, whom he also captains at club level, is 37 and one of the most experienced players in the group, with 76 caps for Egypt.

This would be his second World Cup after he started for Egypt at Russia 2018. Egypt were drawn in Group G with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, opening against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle on 15 June. Hossam Hassan's side won CAF Group A to qualify and set up in a 4-3-3, and El Shenawy is part of the goalkeeper group for the tournament.

El Shenawy is an experienced goalkeeper whose game is built on shot-stopping and command of his penalty area. Years as Al Ahly's number one, where he wears the armband, have made him a steady, organising presence behind the defence.

He reads the game and handles the ball cleanly, the kind of dependable keeper a side built on a solid defensive shape relies on. At 37 and with 76 caps, he brings as much know-how to Egypt's goal as anyone in the squad.

El Shenawy's value to Egypt starts with the goalkeeper basics: 76 caps, command of the area, and the 2018 World Cup already behind him. He is confirmed for 2026 and gives Hossam Hassan a senior option behind a side that conceded only two goals in qualifying.

Egypt sit in Tier 4 at £10m within the game's £200m card budget. That makes them a low-cost Group G pick, with El Shenawy's contribution centred on protection, handling and experience rather than forward output.