Egypt National Football Team Lineup vs Russia OUT: WHY Mo Salah Not Starting Today?

Egypt national football team will be looking to test themselves to the limit before the start of the 2026 World Cup, as they take on Russia at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. The Egypt vs Russia friendly, which will be their first pre-FIFA World Cup friendly, is already generating a lot of buzz among the Pharaohs' fans. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah's playing status remains a mystery ahead of the clash against the Sbornaya.

The Pharaohs sealed their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification in October 2025 after finishing on top of Group A in the CAF qualifiers following a dominant 3-0 victory against Djibouti. Mohamed Salah led from the front as he scored twice, helping Egypt secure their rightful place with one match to spare. A commanding campaign for Egypt, which consisted of notching seven wins and two draws in 10 qualifying games.

The Russia national football team will be facing the Pharaohs only for the second time in the fixture's history. The last meeting happened during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which ended 3-1 in favor of the Sbornaya. Goals from Artem Dzyuba, Denis Cheryshev, and an own goal from Ahmed Fathi sealed the game for the hosts, with a Mohamed Salah penalty being the only consolation for Egypt.

While the absence of a superstar like Mohamed Salah from the Egypt national football team lineup will be concerning for coach Hossam Hassan, established national team players like Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Trezeguet will be expected to step up and carry the attacking load. Let us take a look at the Pharaohs' lineup before the match commences.

Egypt National Team Lineup vs Russia Out

Football fans in Africa can find out the official Egypt national team football lineup that will face Russia today.

Egypt Starting XI: Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Ahmed Fattouh, Mohannad Lasheen, Marwan Attia, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Haitham Hassan, Omar Maroush