Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Spain-Egypt, likely lineups

Spain and Egypt face off at 9 p.m. at RCDE Stadium in Cornellà de Llobregat (the home of Espanyol) for a test valid in preparation for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Red Furies return to the field after annihilating Serbia by a clear 3-0 scoreline in the last friendly, and they also want to win against the African outfit to maintain momentum ahead of the summer World Cup. The multiple African champions also come motivated to this match after their victory over Saudi Arabia: although the opponent is not exactly the last of the newcomers, they want to honor the match by also banking on the talent of some individuals.

De la Fuente’s lineup is banking on Laporte and Huijsen as central midfielders, while on the left Grimaldo is favored over Cucurella. Zubimendi will be in the midfield, forward rests Lamine Yamal in favor of Yeremi Pino, Victor Munoz will be deployed up front.

North Africans with Shobeir between the posts, Hany and Fatouh as full-backs, Ateya and Ashour to lead the midfield, Zizo and Trezeguet to support the team’s star Marmoush.

Probable lineups

SPAGNA (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Llorente, Laporte, Huijsen, Grimaldo; Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri; Pino, Ferran Torres, Munoz. C.T. De la Fuente.

EGITTO (4-2-3-1): Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Fathy, Fatouh; Ateya, Ashour; Zizo, Trezeguet, Issa; Marmoush. C.T. Hassan.