Egyptian teen Abdelkarim aims to shine at World Cup

Egyptian teenager Hamza Abdelkarim is set to make his mark on the global stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026™. At just 18 years old, the Barcelona U-19 striker is one of the five youngest participants in the tournament and is widely regarded as one of the most promising prospects in football.

Abdelkarim's rapid rise has been fueled by his performances for Barcelona's Juvenil A side, where his exploits convinced the Catalan club to exercise their option to buy him from Egyptian club Al Ahly when his loan concludes at the end of this month. The towering forward, who hails from Cairo, initially joined Barcelona's academy in February 2024 after featuring for Al Ahly in domestic cup competitions and the CAF Champions League.

Breakthrough at Barcelona

Upon joining Barcelona's U-19 team, Abdelkarim played an instrumental role in their league title run, scoring five goals in seven appearances as they edged city rivals Espanyol to the championship. He opened his account with a headed goal on his debut in a 2-2 draw against Huesca in early March.

Jordi Saucedo, the Huesca goalkeeper who faced Abdelkarim in that match, recalled the anticipation surrounding the Egyptian's debut. “The fact that he’s from another country and continent, as well as his being billed as a future star, really caught the imagination in our dressing room, and we were keen to see what he was all about,” Saucedo told FIFA.

Saucedo noted that Abdelkarim initially seemed nervous but quickly showcased his abilities. “What with it being his debut, I recall him looking a little lost in the opening exchanges, but it wasn’t long before his ability shone through,” he said. “He brings something a little different to the table for Barça because he’s such a threat in the air and is so good with his back to goal. He’s your typical old-fashioned centre-forward whose game is all about holding the ball up, being in the box and getting efforts in on goal.”

Physical prowess and aerial ability

Saucedo highlighted Abdelkarim's physical strength as a standout attribute. “He’d not long arrived in Spain and yet he was the most powerful player on the pitch,” he said. The goalkeeper also noted that Abdelkarim's maiden hat-trick for Barcelona came in the season finale, when he scored three headed goals in 15 first-half minutes as Barcelona defeated Montecarlo 9-0 to clinch the league title.

International rise

Abdelkarim first gained international attention at the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ in Qatar last November, where his goals helped Egypt reach the last 32. His performances at club level convinced former Egypt striker and national team coach Hossam Hassan to include him in the 26-man squad for the World Cup in North America.

Saucedo, who has also faced Barcelona youth stars Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, drew comparisons between Abdelkarim and those Spanish talents. “Even back then, Cubarsi was a true leader and an assured presence, and Lamine was, in many ways, every inch the player he is now, with his electric pace, trickery and magical ability. He loved nothing more than entertaining folk with his dance moves and vibe. The pair of them are improving by the day,” Saucedo said.

The goalkeeper added that he will always be remembered as the first keeper in Spanish football to concede a goal to Abdelkarim, a claim to fame he described as somewhat unenviable.

World Cup prospects

As the youngest player in Egypt's squad, Abdelkarim is seen as a wildcard who could make a significant impact. His ability to hold up the ball, win aerial duels, and finish chances makes him a unique threat. With his burgeoning reputation and recent form, the teenager is poised to enhance his status on the world stage.