Egypt’s Defensive Backbone Ready for World Cup Challenge

As Egypt prepares for another FIFA World Cup campaign, much of the spotlight will naturally fall on the Pharaohs’ attacking stars. However, two players at the back could prove just as crucial to the North Africans’ hopes of making a deep run in the tournament: experienced full-back Mohamed Hany and emerging goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

With Egypt drawn alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Iran, defensive stability may be the key to progressing from the group stage, and both Hany and Shobeir are expected to play central roles in that mission.

Hany Set to Anchor Egypt’s Right Flank

Few players in the Egyptian squad offer the consistency and reliability of Mohamed Hany. The Al Ahly defender heads into the World Cup as the leading candidate to occupy the right-back or right wing-back position throughout the tournament.

Hany was one of Egypt’s most dependable performers at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, featuring in all six matches and playing more games than any other defender in the squad. His experience and tactical discipline have made him a trusted figure for the national team coaching staff.

While renowned for his defensive work, Hany has increasingly become a valuable attacking outlet. The 29-year-old has contributed two assists in Egypt’s last four international friendlies and has consistently created opportunities from wide areas. During World Cup qualifying and AFCON 2025, he registered several key chances, highlighting his growing influence in the final third.

Whether Egypt opt for a traditional back four or a more adventurous wing-back system, Hany’s ability to balance defensive responsibilities with attacking support could be vital.

The opening match against Belgium will undoubtedly test Egypt’s defensive resilience, but encounters with New Zealand and Iran may provide opportunities for Hany to push forward and make a decisive impact.

Shobeir Emerging as Egypt’s New Number One

Another major storyline heading into the World Cup is the rise of goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.

The 26-year-old has steadily built a reputation as one of Egypt’s brightest goalkeeping talents and now appears set to replace veteran shot-stopper Mohamed El Shenawy as the Pharaohs’ first-choice goalkeeper.

Shobeir strengthened his credentials during AFCON 2025, where he delivered two clean sheets in his two appearances. His standout moment came in the third-place playoff against Nigeria, where he produced a series of crucial saves and denied a Nigerian penalty during the shootout.

Those performances, combined with his impressive club form, have convinced many observers that the Al Ahly goalkeeper is ready for football’s biggest stage.

For Egypt, Shobeir’s composure and shot-stopping ability could prove invaluable. Matches against New Zealand and Iran present realistic opportunities to keep clean sheets, while a showdown with Belgium is expected to provide a sterner examination of his abilities.

Egypt Banking on Defensive Strength

While Egypt boasts quality throughout the squad, success at the World Cup may ultimately depend on how effectively they defend against elite opposition.

Hany’s experience, leadership and attacking support from the right flank, combined with Shobeir’s growing confidence between the posts, give the Pharaohs a solid foundation as they chase a place in the knockout rounds.

With expectations rising and the World Cup fast approaching, Egypt will hope their defensive duo can provide the platform for a memorable campaign on the global stage.