Barcelona’s new young talent, Hamza Abdelkarim, has made waves as he prepares to showcase his skills at the FIFA World Cup. The 18-year-old striker not only represents a bright future for Egyptian football but also raises expectations for his performance on this global stage. His potential to take over from veteran Mohamed Salah as Egypt’s key player has garnered attention from head coach Hossam Hassan.
A Breakthrough Season for Abdelkarim
Abdelkarim’s journey began with a surprising uncapped selection in Egypt’s World Cup squad in May, a monumental achievement for someone so young. His recent transition from a loan deal to a permanent €1.5 million transfer to Barcelona on June 10 highlights his rising profile. Hossam Hassan believes that Abdelkarim embodies the future of the Egyptian national team and is poised for a significant impact during the tournament.
Hassan praised Abdelkarim’s abilities, noting his technical skills, determination, and positive attitude. The coach emphasized that, despite being young, he has already proven he belongs at the highest levels of football. His excellent performance with Barcelona’s youth side, including a goal on his debut, further solidified his reputation. Hassan noted that Abdelkarim’s influence was evident during his time at the 2025 U-17 World Cup, setting the stage for his current achievements.
Collective Strength Over Singular Star Power
As Egypt heads into the World Cup, Hassan stresses the importance of teamwork over reliance on individual talent. Mohamed Salah is undoubtedly a remarkable player, yet Hassan believes success will stem from collective performances. The squad features other promising talents, including Omar Marmoush, and he hopes their contributions will shine in the upcoming matches. The team’s first test will be against Belgium, and Hassan is optimistic that they can rise to the occasion.
Hassan acknowledges the weight of expectations on Abdelkarim and the rest of the squad. The coach aims to form a robust team dynamic, which includes integrating young talents alongside established players like Salah. Building for the future is essential, especially with many squad members nearing the end of their careers. The coach is excited to develop the next generation, hoping to see them emerge as strong contenders on the international stage.
Aiming for Future Success
With Egypt’s lengthy 16-year drought in the Africa Cup of Nations, Hassan is eager to cultivate talent like Abdelkarim to foster a new wave of Egyptian footballers. He envisions a future where the team not only competes fiercely but is also respected globally. “In 2027 and beyond, the world will witness a revamped Egyptian squad,” Hassan stated confidently.
The upcoming matches against New Zealand and Iran will serve as critical testing grounds for this emerging Egyptian team. Bastions of hope rest on young talents like Abdelkarim, who can inspire a new era. As the Pharaohs prepare to face powerful teams in Group G, the collective effort will be crucial for achieving their ambitions on this prominent stage.