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Football
Sports Illustrated analyzes Egypt's defensive strategy for the 2026 World Cup, highlighting the key roles of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush are the primary attacking weapons in Hossam Hassan's tactical blueprint for Egypt's 2026 World Cup campaign, according to an analysis by American magazine Sports Illustrated. The report details how the Pharaohs will enter Group G—featuring Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand—relying on a rigid defensive approach designed to frustrate opponents before launching any offensive moves.
Hossam Hassan, 59, enjoys widespread support from both fans and the Egyptian Football Association, but his coaching philosophy leans heavily toward pragmatism, the magazine explained. Rather than pursuing possession or open play, the national team prioritizes defensive organization and tactical discipline, exploiting opportunities through rapid counterattacks led by the pace and individual skill of Salah and Marmoush.
The report stated that Egypt will not attempt to dominate possession against stronger opponents. Instead, the team will rely on a compact defensive block, absorbing pressure behind the lines and capitalizing on mistakes. Sports Illustrated noted that Hassan, who took charge in 2024 and benefits from his legendary status as a former player and all-time top scorer, implements a strict defensive scheme aimed at neutralizing rivals before initiating attacks.
The analysis concluded that this plan could prove effective against powerful teams like Belgium, while its success against less formidable opponents such as New Zealand remains a subject of debate. The magazine considered Egypt's tactical identity at the World Cup to be one of the tournament's most compelling storylines to follow.
