The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has been verbally informed that the national team’s training camp in Qatar, scheduled for March, has been cancelled.
This comes as a blow to the team’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, as they were set to face Saudi Arabia and Spain in friendly matches during the camp.
Hany Abo Rida, a key figure in Egyptian football, is taking charge of finding a backup plan. The EFA is exploring alternative venues for the friendlies, with options including Cairo or other European locations.
“We’re looking at all possibilities to ensure the team gets the necessary preparation,” Abo Rida said.
The EFA is in talks with several countries to host the matches, prioritizing the team’s World Cup preparation.
The team, led by coach Husam Hassan, is aiming to finalize arrangements soon.
Egypt is in Group G of the World Cup, alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.
These friendlies are crucial for Hassan to assess his squad and tactics, giving him a chance to test new players and strategies.
“We need these matches to prepare for the big tournament,” Hassan emphasized.
The cancellation is reportedly due to Qatar’s suspension of sports activities amid regional tensions.
The EFA is working to secure new dates and venues for the matches, focusing on ensuring the team’s preparation isn’t severely impacted. With the World Cup looming,
Egypt needs these friendlies to fine-tune their game and build momentum.
The EFA is optimistic about finding a solution, with several options on the table.
The priority is ensuring the team’s preparation is as strong as possible ahead of the World Cup.
