Barcelona prodigy continues to build excitement with steady progress at the World Cup | OneFootball

Barcelona youngster Hamza Abdelkarim is becoming one of the most intriguing stories of Egypt’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the 18-year-old forward is making history with the Egyptian national team, having featured in all three World Cup group-stage matches despite only recently breaking into senior football.

The Barcelona striker has been used as a substitute in every game so far and now has the opportunity to continue his impressive journey when Egypt face Australia in the Round of 32.

For a player who only arrived at Barcelona earlier this year, Hamza Abdelkarim’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable.

Barcelona forward making history at the World Cup

The Hamza Abdelkarim World Cup story has developed rapidly over the past few months.

Barcelona first identified the young forward as a target in October before moving to secure his services at the beginning of the year. 

After impressing with six goals for the club’s Juvenil A side, the teenager received an unexpected call-up from Egypt manager Hossam Hassan.

Hamza Abdelkarim is gaining valuable experience at the World Cup. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Since then, the Barcelona prospect has not looked out of place on the international stage.

Abdelkarim has featured in every group-stage fixture, gaining valuable experience alongside some of Egypt’s biggest stars and establishing himself as one of the youngest players still competing in the tournament.

Those around the player believe the only thing missing from his World Cup experience is a goal.

Nevertheless, his contributions and growing confidence suggest that moment could arrive sooner rather than later.

Salah and Marmoush helping Barcelona prospect

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Abdelkarim has been his relationship with Mohamed Salah.

According to the outlet, the Liverpool icon has embraced the Barcelona youngster within the national team camp, taking him under his wing and helping him adapt to life at the highest level.

In fact, it is reported that Salah even welcomed the teenager with a shirt and has spent considerable time with him throughout the competition.

Salah has taken Abdelkarim under his wing. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Furthermore, the Barcelona forward has also built a close connection with Omar Marmoush.

The pair already shared a link before becoming teammates at international level, having studied at the same school in Cairo.

That support network has played an important role in Abdelkarim’s adaptation to senior football, especially given the pressure that comes with playing at the World Cup at only 18 years of age.

Barcelona know what kind of talent they have

Barcelona have already demonstrated their faith in the youngster by exercising the option to sign Hamza Abdelkarim permanently from Al Ahly after initially bringing him in on loan.

Now, the Hamza Abdelkarim Barcelona project could enter a new phase.

Following his World Cup experience with Egypt, the teenager is expected to receive an opportunity during pre-season to prove himself under Hansi Flick.

That period could be decisive in determining whether he remains with the youth setup, goes out on loan or begins taking steps towards the first team.