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Who Is Haitham Hassan? Meet Egypt’s Latest Surprise Call-Up

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23/3/2026

Egypt’s national team coaching staff, led by Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan, extended a warm welcome to Real Oviedo’s winger Haitham Hassan as he joined the "Pharaohs" camp for the very first time. The 24-year-old talent, who played a pivotal role in Oviedo's promotion to La Liga, opted to represent Egypt over France and Tunisia, marking a significant addition to the squad’s midfield.

The team is currently training at the National Teams Center in preparation for two high-profile friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Spain on March 27 and 31, respectively. These matches serve as a crucial tuning point for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Key Squad Notes:

  • New Dynamics: Haissem Hassan is set for his first training session tonight, adding fresh creativity to a midfield featuring stars like Trezeguet and Marmoush.

  • Notable Absence: Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah remains sidelined for this window due to injury.

  • Elite Professionals: The squad boasts a strong European presence, including Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) and Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes).

Looking Ahead: World Cup 2026 Schedule. Egypt is placed in Group G for the upcoming World Cup in North America. Their journey begins against Belgium in Seattle (June 15), followed by a trip to Vancouver to face New Zealand (June 22), before returning to Seattle for the final group clash against Iran (June 27).