Egypt will begin their third FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign in Group A, where they will face Greece, hosts Qatar and Panama in a potentially open contest for qualification.
The Young Pharaohs have not been placed in a group with an obvious favourite, giving them a realistic opportunity to reach the knockout stages. Qatar will aim to use home advantage to secure a place in the second round, while Egypt will hope to make a strong start and build momentum across their three group matches.
Egypt’s longer-term ambition is to end their wait for a return to the quarter-finals. They have not reached that stage since 1997, when they last progressed that far in the competition. Mohamed Obeid, Ahmed Beshir and Amir Abou El Ezz are among the players expected to play important roles in the team’s campaign.
The Young Pharaohs will be in action on the opening day of the tournament, beginning with a meeting with Greece. Their second match will bring them up against the host nation, Qatar, before they complete the group stage against Panama.
With no team considered an unquestionable favourite, the group is likely to remain finely balanced. Egypt will therefore view each fixture as an opportunity to establish an early advantage, particularly before facing Qatar in front of the home crowd.
Egypt’s group-stage schedule is:
- 19 November, 14:00: Egypt v Greece - 22 November, 15:00: Qatar v Egypt - 25 November, 14:30: Panama v Egypt