Mohamed Elneny

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Mohamed Elneny's prospects for the FIFA World Cup 2026 appear to be a mix of established national team presence and increasing competition as he approaches the latter stages of his career. Having already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Egypt will be making their fourth appearance in the tournament.

Club Performance and Latest News:

Mohamed Elneny, at 33 years old (turning 34 in July 2026), departed Arsenal in May 2024 after an eight-year tenure and subsequently joined Emirati club Al Jazira on July 30, 2024. In his debut season with Al Jazira (2024-25), he had a successful run, winning the UAE League Cup and being voted the UAE Pro League Player of the Season. As of the 2025/2026 season, he has played 8 matches in the Arabian Gulf League, scoring 1 goal, and has also featured in the UAE League Cup. His current performance statistics with Al Jazira show him as a regular in the team's midfield.

International Outlook:

Elneny boasts significant international experience, having earned over 100 caps for Egypt since 2011 and participating in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He was also part of the Egypt U23 national team that competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Egypt's qualification for the 2026 World Cup was secured with a dominant performance in Group A of the CAF qualifiers, where they clinched the top spot with a game to spare, scoring 19 goals and conceding only two in nine matches.

However, Elneny's involvement in the senior national team has seen some recent fluctuations. While he was named in Egypt's 27-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (held in early 2024), he was notably left out of the main squad for the AFCON qualifiers in October 2024, with the manager Hossam Hassan opting to give opportunities to new players. Despite this, he rejoined an "Egypt B" team for the Arab Cup in December 2025, which was held concurrently with the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. He played in recent Arab Cup matches in December 2025.

Analysis of 2026 World Cup Prospects:

Mohamed Elneny's prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad are somewhat uncertain. On one hand, his recent success at the club level, being named UAE Pro League Player of the Season, indicates he is still performing at a high level. His extensive experience and tactical discipline have been highlighted as crucial for Egypt in the past. The fact that he was called up for the Arab Cup in December 2025, even if it was a "B" squad, shows he remains on the national team's radar.

On the other hand, his omission from the senior squad for the October 2024 AFCON qualifiers to integrate new players suggests that the national team management is looking to refresh the squad and potentially build for the future. By the time of the 2026 World Cup, Elneny will be 34, an age where many midfielders experience a decline in their physical capabilities, which are vital for the demanding nature of a World Cup tournament. The competition for midfield places in the Egyptian squad, with younger talents emerging, could also impact his chances.

Ultimately, Elneny's inclusion in the 2026 World Cup squad will likely depend on his sustained performance and fitness with Al Jazira in the upcoming 2025-26 season, and whether the national team coach, Hossam Hassan, prioritizes experience or continues to lean towards integrating newer, younger talent into the core squad that has already secured World Cup qualification.