Hamza Abdelkarim receives surprise Egypt call-up for 2026 World Cup

Hamza Abdelkarim, the Barcelona loanee, has been named in Egypt's squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The call-up was unexpected by observers. Barcelona already anticipate a sizable contingent of its players at the tournament, with Spain, France and Uruguay already confirmed. These nations will be represented by several Catalan players. Abdelkarim joined Barcelona on loan in January, providing additional depth to the squad. His performances during the loan spell attracted the attention of the Egyptian federation. His inclusion gives Egypt representation among the nations competing in the 2026 World Cup. It adds an African perspective to the tournament hosted in North America. The development underscores Barcelona's growing influence on the international stage. The club's players are set to feature prominently across multiple continents. The Egyptian Football Association will integrate Abdelkarim into preparations ahead of the tournament. He will join the national team for upcoming training camps. Barcelona will monitor his progress while maintaining focus on its domestic campaigns. The club expects the experience to benefit the player's future contributions. Looking ahead, Abdelkarim's World Cup exposure could accelerate his development and inform Barcelona's long‑term plans. His performance will be watched closely by both club and country.