Official: Barcelona teenage sensation handed shock World Cup call-up | OneFootball

Egypt’s World Cup squad announcement has delivered a huge moment for one of Barcelona’s rising young talents. 

Teenage forward Hamza Abdelkarim has officially been included in Egypt’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, in what has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the national team.

The 18-year-old attacker was not expected to make the final selection, especially considering he is still developing within Barcelona’s youth system. 

However, Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has decided to place his trust in the youngster’s potential ahead of the tournament.

Abdelkarim has started attracting attention since arriving in Catalonia earlier this year. 

Barcelona secured his signing from Egyptian side Al-Ahly on a loan deal that includes an option to make the transfer permanent. 

Since then, the young forward has impressed within the club’s youth setup and managed to find the back of the net during his early appearances.

Earns huge opportunity with Egypt

Egypt’s squad still revolves around established stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, but the decision to include Abdelkarim shows the coaching staff is also planning for the future.

The young Barcelona forward joins a group of attacking players expected to carry Egypt’s goalscoring threat during the competition. 

Despite his lack of experience at senior elite level, the national team clearly believes his technical quality and confidence can offer something different.

Record in the making

Hamza Abdelkarim will play at the World Cup. (Photo courtesy: FC Barcelona official website)

Egypt have been placed in Group G and will begin their World Cup journey against Belgium on June 15. 

They will then face New Zealand before closing the group stage against Iran later in the month.

If Abdelkarim receives minutes during the tournament, he could achieve a remarkable milestone. 

At 18 years old, the Barcelona youngster is in line to become the youngest Egyptian player ever to feature for ‘The Pharaohs’ at a World Cup, comfortably beating the previous record set by Ramadan Sobhi in 2018.