World Cup 2026: The truth about El Shenawy’s exclusion from Egypt’s national team | OneFootball

World Cup 2026: Mohamed El Shenawy remains part of Egypt’s plans

El Shenawy egypt / @x.com/King_Fut

Egyptian media have recently shed light on rumors suggesting the possible sidelining of players over the age of 30—most notably goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy—from Egypt’s national team squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, set to take place next summer in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Ibrahim Hassan shuts down rumors about El Shenawy

Egypt’s national team director, Ibrahim Hassan, has categorically denied these reports, insisting they are completely baseless.

In statements given to the Al Mehwar channel, he clarified that the technical staff has never considered excluding a player based on age, stressing that selections are made solely on form and technical performance.

"We have just returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and haven’t discussed any matters regarding the next phase yet," he stated.

He added: "The rumors suggesting there is an agreement within the staff, in coordination with Hossam Hassan, to drop Mohamed El Shenawy or any other player over 30—except Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Trezeguet—from the World Cup squad are totally unfounded."

It’s worth noting that Mohamed El Shenawy, Al Ahly’s goalkeeper, is considered one of the most experienced players in the Egyptian squad. At 37, he has earned 74 caps, conceded 47 goals, and kept 39 clean sheets for his country.