Mohamed El Shenawy said winning the World Cup remains his dream, but Egypt must first advance from Group G.
Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy said his ambition is to win the 2026 World Cup, while stressing that the team must first reach the knockout stage.
El Shenawy made the comments in an interview with FIFA before Egypt’s fourth appearance at the tournament.
The veteran said the coveted tournament remains the highest target for any player. He said Egypt must move step by step, starting with qualification from the group.
Egypt will play in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran. The Pharaohs will open their campaign against Belgium in Seattle on June 15.
El Shenawy added that Egypt’s players now understand the tournament better after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He said he, Mohamed Salah and Trezeguet can pass that experience to the rest of the squad.
Egypt lost all three group matches in 2018 and have never won a World Cup match. El Shenawy was named man of the match in Egypt’s 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in that tournament.