Another Barça player is heading to the World Cup, and probably the least well-known one among the general public. Because striker Hamza Abderkarim, who is part of FC Barcelona’s U19 side, has been included in Egypt’s squad for this summer’s tournament.

Barça's first Egyptian

Abdelkarim was born on 1 January 2008 who arrived at Barça during the winter transfer window on loan from Al Ahly SC, with an option to buy at the end of the season, becoming the first Egyptian player in the club’s history.

After several months unable to compete due to bureaucratic issues, once everything was resolved he was registered with the U19A side, for whom he has played seven league matches, scoring five goals, as well as two cup matches.

In Group G

One of the brightest prospects in African football, he had already stood out for Egypt’s youth teams at U17 level, both in the Africa Cup of Nations and at the World Cup.

So much so that, despite not yet having played beyond the U19A team, coach Hossam Hassan has included him in the World Cup squad alongside players such as Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Egypt will compete in Group G together with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran.

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