Barcelona is set to have a strong contingent of players at the upcoming World Cup, with representatives expected from Spain, France, and Uruguay. Now, a new name can be added to that prestigious list: Egyptian talent Hamza Abdelkarim.
In January, Barcelona secured the services of the teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim on loan from Al Ahly, with an option to buy. Highly regarded in his native Egypt, Abdelkarim was considered a valuable acquisition for the Catalan club, with potential for a future integration into the senior squad.
While Abdelkarim has not yet featured in Hansi Flick’s senior plans this season, he has nonetheless made a positive impression since arriving at Barcelona. His performances, particularly with the U19 team, have been instrumental in earning him a place in Egypt’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, a confirmation reported on Wednesday.
This marks a remarkable period for Abdelkarim. He achieved his dream move to Europe in the winter and is now poised to make his debut for the Egyptian national team on the World Cup stage in the summer, an accomplishment made even more impressive by his young age of 18.
Barcelona Future Secured for Abdelkarim
The outlook for Abdelkarim is exceptionally bright. Beyond the exciting prospect of participating in the World Cup, he has been informed by Sporting Director Deco that Barcelona intends to exercise the purchase option in his loan agreement with Al Ahly. This means he will continue his development with the Catalan club for the foreseeable future. Opportunities to catch Flick’s attention are anticipated, especially if he maintains his current form with the U19s.
It will be fascinating to observe Abdelkarim’s contribution at the World Cup. While a prominent role might be unlikely, his potential to make an impact is certainly there, an impact that Barcelona will also be keen to see.
English Translation:
Barcelona Starlet Earns Surprise Call-Up for 2026 World Cup
Barcelona will have a significant number of players at this summer’s World Cup, with nations like Spain, France, and Uruguay being represented. Another can now be added to that list, as it has been announced that the Catalans will have Egyptian representation in North America.
Back in January, Barcelona signed Hamza Abdelkarim on loan with an option to buy from Al Ahly. The teenage striker, who was highly regarded in his homeland of Egypt, was considered a major coup for the Catalans, who saw him as a potential candidate for promotion to the senior squad in the future.
Abdelkarim has not moved closer to being in Flick’s senior plans this season, but he has still impressed since joining Barcelona. He has been particularly involved with the club’s U19s, and it is this form that has earned him a place in Egypt’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, as was confirmed (via Sport) on Wednesday.
It has been a very good few months for Abdelkarim. He secured his dream move to Europe in the winter, and in the summer, he is in line to make his debut for the Egyptian national team in a World Cup. This is made even more impressive by the fact that he is only 18 years old.
Barcelona Stay on the Cards for Abdelkarim
The future looks very bright for Abdelkarim. On top of the prospect of playing at a World Cup this summer, he has also been notified by sporting director Deco that Barcelona will activate the purchase option in their loan agreement with Al Ahly, meaning that he will remain with the Catalan club for the foreseeable future. He will have opportunities to get on Flick’s radar, especially if he continues to show the same form he has displayed with the U19s.
It will be interesting to see how Abdelkarim performs at the World Cup. He is unlikely to have a prominent role, but he could still play his part – which Barcelona will also want.
