Egypt lean on home-based core built in their domestic league for World Cup opener against Belgium | OneFootball

Egypt begin their campaign against Belgium in Seattle on Monday at 21:00, leaning on a home-based core.

According to L'Équipe, the Pharaohs have long selected mainly domestic league players, as do Germany, England and Spain, reflecting vitality and identity. It is not just about Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah, with the 26-man World Cup list again led by names from Al Ahly, Zamalek and the emerging FC Pyramids.

Patrice Neveu, current Togo coach and former boss of Ismaily and Alexandria club Smouha, has observed an organised set-up underpinned by a strong local economy and state support. He points to robust youth competitions, technical education and multisport clubs, often backed by local benefactors.

At Smouha, multimillionaire Mohamed Farag Amer bankrolls the team, his wealth from the agri-food industry. The league is also attracting foreign investment, notably FC Pyramids owned by an Emirati businessman, while salaries can reach 20,000 dollars per month, far above the national average.

Neveu adds that, unlike in Gabon, Guinea or DR Congo where a breakthrough tends to trigger a move abroad, Egyptian players are well paid and many stay. Some have left, like Mohamed Salah, but others, notably Mohamed Aboutrika, built their careers at home, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006 and 2008 and only taking a late stint at Baniyas SC in 2013.

Attachment to home also counts. Players enjoy comfortable lives and major exposure, with extensive media coverage of the league and national team. Those media have followed the Pharaohs to Seattle, where the starting side is again largely domestic.

Source: L'Équipe