Egypt Defender Hossam Abdelmaguid Targets Historic World Cup Run After Fulfilling Childhood Dream

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Egypt defender Hossam Abdelmaguid says his dream of playing at the FIFA World Cup has become reality sooner than he ever expected, as the Pharaohs prepare for the 2026 tournament in North America.

The 25 year old defender, who recently helped Zamalek secure the Egyptian league title, said representing Egypt on football’s biggest stage is the realization of a goal he carried since childhood.

Speaking to Reuters, Abdelmaguid recalled how conversations with his older brother first inspired his ambition to one day play in the World Cup.

“I remember telling him I would play in the World Cup,” Abdelmaguid said. “But I did not expect to realise that childhood dream so quickly, just three years after joining the first team.”

Egypt Eye Breakthrough Tournament

Egypt enter the tournament in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Iran.

The draw has generated optimism among supporters who hope the national team can produce one of its strongest World Cup performances.

While expectations are rising, Abdelmaguid insisted the squad remains focused on realistic objectives.

“This is what the fans hope from us, and it is their right,” he said. “It is also our right to aim for the knockout stages.”

Egypt have never won a World Cup match, but the defender believes the current squad has the quality and confidence to challenge that record and potentially advance beyond the group stage.

“We want to win every game, and if we cannot win, then not to lose. We are trying to give everything we can.”

Confidence in Egypt’s Talent

Abdelmaguid highlighted the strength of Egypt’s squad, pointing to established stars and emerging talents.

Among those he mentioned were Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah, who is preparing to leave Liverpool, and 18 year old striker Hamza Abdelkarim of Al Ahly, currently on loan at Barcelona.

The defender credited national team coach Hossam Hassan for instilling belief throughout the squad.

“Hossam Hassan always motivates us and tells us we can do it, which gives us belief that we can achieve something for Egypt,” Abdelmaguid said.

Preparing for Elite Opposition

Egypt’s group stage opponents feature several internationally recognized forwards, including Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, New Zealand’s Chris Wood and Iran’s Mehdi Taremi.

Abdelmaguid said he has already begun studying the attackers in detail with the support of analysts and coaching staff.

“All of them are elite players, but that does not mean I fear them because I play for Egypt,” he said.

The defender explained that preparation involves reviewing video footage and focusing on tactical details that could prove decisive during the tournament.

Hossam Hassan’s Influence

Abdelmaguid also praised coach Hossam Hassan, who became the first Egyptian to reach the World Cup both as a player and as a coach.

Hassan famously helped Egypt qualify for the 1990 World Cup and has now guided the country back to football’s biggest tournament 36 years later.

According to Abdelmaguid, Hassan’s experience and leadership have helped players understand the magnitude of the competition while maintaining confidence.

“We are happy to have someone with his history with us,” he said. “Beyond the technical side, he gives us confidence through his experience.”

The defender added that Hassan’s stories and experiences from facing world class players in previous tournaments continue to inspire the current generation.

A Chance to Write New History

For Egypt, the 2026 World Cup presents an opportunity to achieve milestones that have previously eluded the national team.

With a blend of experienced stars, emerging talent and renewed confidence under Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs will hope to make a lasting impression on the global stage.

Regardless of how far Egypt progress, the tournament represents another important chapter in African football’s growing presence on the world stage. Across the continent, young players continue to dream bigger and compete at the highest levels of the game. Africa’s football story is still being written, and the next generation has every reason to believe its greatest achievements may still lie ahead.