Hamza Abdelkarim Named in Egypt's 2026 World Cup Squad

Why the call-up matters

A place in a World Cup squad, if confirmed, would be a major statement for a player who has not yet broken into Hansi Flick’s senior plans.

• Abdelkarim arrived as a development signing, not a first-team solution.
• The report says his work with Barcelona’s under-19 side has still been enough to earn senior international recognition.
• For Egypt, even selecting a teenager based abroad would underline trust in upside and personality as much as current status.

That is often how football moves for elite prospects. The jump is rarely linear. A player can still be outside the senior club rotation while climbing quickly at international level if coaches see qualities worth fast-tracking.

Barcelona’s longer view

The more interesting part may be the club decision behind the scenes. Reports suggest Deco has informed the player that Barcelona plan to make the move permanent.

• That would frame the loan as part of future planning, not a short trial.
• It also fits the club’s habit of searching early for young talent with resale and first-team potential.
• The key detail is not immediate minutes, but sustained belief.

For a striker, that matters. Young forwards are often judged on patience, movement and adaptation as much as output.

The next step

If the report proves accurate, Abdelkarim heads into a crucial stretch: a global tournament environment, then another season fighting for ground inside one of football’s hardest pathways. The next storyline is clear - whether World Cup exposure and a permanent move can push him closer to Flick’s radar.