Ahmed Shobier expects Hossam Hassan to spring a surprise as Egypt prepares to face Belgium in its opening World Cup 2026 match.
Egypt enters its opening World Cup 2026 match against Belgium with its starting lineup still the subject of intense speculation, and one prominent Egyptian analyst believes coach Hossam Hassan may be preparing a late tactical surprise.
Ahmed Shobier, the former Egypt national team goalkeeper and now a leading football commentator, said on radio that Hassan appeared to be keeping some of his plans private after the team’s news conference. “From what I saw at yesterday’s press conference, I can say Hossam Hassan will surprise us,” Shobier said, according to Varzesh3. “Either in the starting lineup or in the way of playing, a surprise is coming.”
The uncertainty centers first on Egypt’s defensive shape. Shobier said there has been discussion around the possibility of Hassan using three central defenders, naming Rami Rabia, Hamdi Fathi and Yasser Ibrahim as candidates. He also left open the possibility that one could be left out, with two center backs positioned alongside Mohamed Hany and Ahmed Fatouh.
Shobier described Fatouh, Hany and Hamdi Fathi as players Hassan appears to value highly. That matters because the final system could determine how aggressively Egypt’s fullbacks are allowed to push forward against Belgium.
In midfield, Shobier pointed to Marwan Attia as a likely starter, saying Hassan has strong confidence in him. He suggested Attia could be paired with Mohanad Lasheen, while noting that a midfield including Attia, Hamdi Fathi and Lasheen together would give Egypt a more defensive look.
Another unresolved question is the role of Emam Ashour. Shobier said Ashour’s starting status remains debated, but he expects the player to have an important part in the match even if he begins on the bench. Ashour featured against Brazil and, in Shobier’s assessment, performed well.
The attack appears more settled at the top end. Shobier said there is little doubt over Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush starting, with the main uncertainty involving the third attacking position. Mahmoud Trezeguet is one option, while Mostafa Abdel Raouf Ziko has also been mentioned after scoring against Russia and Brazil. Shobier said Trezeguet offers stronger defensive duties, making the choice a tactical one as much as a selection call.
The formation remains the broader unanswered question. Shobier listed several possible systems, including 5-3-2, 3-5-2, 4-3-3, 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1, and said the main difference would be the amount of freedom given to the wide defenders. In a 3-5-2, for example, Fatouh and Hany would have more room to advance.
For all the uncertainty around the outside discussion, Shobier believes Hassan has already made up his mind. He said the coach’s preferred lineup has likely been forming since Egypt’s match against Brazil, leaving the public guessing only until the official team sheet is released.
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