Barcelona 18-year-old starlet set to be called up for the World Cup by national team | OneFootball

Hamza Abdelkarim’s rise continues at a remarkable speed. Despite not yet featuring for Barça Atletic since arriving at FC Barcelona in January, and instead playing for Pol Planas’ Juvenil A side, the young forward keeps making headlines.

While Barça appear increasingly willing to trigger the purchase option they hold with Al-Ahly, his parent club, the teenager is now in the spotlight because he is expected to be included in Egypt’s squad for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Hamza set to be called up by Egypt

Indeed, according to SPORT, Hamza will be a part of the Egyptian national team squad that will fly to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup next month.

The 18-year-old striker is part of a provisional 50-man shortlist from which Egypt manager Hossam Hassan would select his final World Cup squad.

Now, SPORT, citing sources within the Egyptian Football Federation, claims that Hassan and members of the federation have contacted the striker and informed him to complete the necessary paperwork required to enter the US, as he will be included in the final squad.

A phenomenon in Egypt

The 18-year-old striker has become a huge sensation in his home country, especially following his move to Barcelona this season.

Hamza Abdelkarim set to play for Egypt at the World Cup. (Picture credit: Instagram/@hamzabdelkarim)

Reports in Egypt claimed he was competing for a World Cup place with 18-year-old Zamalek striker Nasser Mansi and Salah Mohsen, the 27-year-old Al-Masry forward. It now appears that Hamza has won that battle.

The teenager represented the most inexperienced option among the candidates, but at the same time, the one generating the most excitement among supporters because of the enormous potential he possesses.

The idea that he could go to a World Cup without yet having made his senior debut for Egypt underlines just how rapid his rise has been. Up until now, he has only represented the African nation at the Under-17 level, so the leap would be enormous.

Barcelona are following the situation very closely because the tournament could dramatically increase the youngster’s market value.

The report suggests that Barça have already contacted Al-Ahly with the intention of activating the purchase option on the striker.

The deal would cost €1.5 million upfront, plus a further €5 million in variables depending on whether the player reaches certain objectives in the future.