Egyptian national team player Hamza Abdel Karim described being alongside Mohamed Salah as a dream.
Hamza Abdel Karim
Club: Barcelona
The 18-year-old came on as a substitute in Egypt's win over Australia and qualification for the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Egyptian national team player Hamza Abdel Karim said in the press area: "A beautiful feeling after qualifying and all of Egypt is happy, and I benefit daily whether in training or matches".
He added, "Salah has supported me since day one and passes on his experiences to everyone. I try to benefit from him; his history is indescribable, and being next to him is a dream".
He concluded, "We are ready for any opponent in the round of 16, and I don't care what is said about me; all my focus is on the pitch".
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Let's relive the historic moments 🤩
— FilGoal (@FilGoal) July 3, 2026
Egypt vs Australia penalty shootout in full 🇪🇬⭐pic.twitter.com/j2c8JA0dd9
Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time at Dallas Stadium.
Egypt's victory and qualification to the round of 16 for the first time in its history earned the Egyptian Football Association a $15 million qualification bonus to the round of 16 from FIFA.
The Egyptian national team will face the winner of the Argentina vs Cape Verde match in the round of 16.
