Arsenal
What can you expect from Salah, Elneny and Egypt in the World Cup: SWOT analysis
Egypt finally ended a 28-year wait to qualify for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia. Under the stewardship of Argentinian coach Hector Cuper, the Pharaohs finally fulfilled their long-awaited dream, even if their return to the world stage was not always plain sailing.
A last-gasp penalty from Mohammed Salah sent the Egyptians into ecstasy. It’s surprising how a team that dominates the African continent and holds a record 7 continental titles consistently failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Egypt finished fourth in their group with two draws and a loss to be knocked out of the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Jumping to their defense, they were paired with likes of a world-class Netherlands squad, a dominant England team and Northern Ireland who eventually finished second.
This time around, they have it a little easier, as they’ve been grouped with the likes of Uruguay, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Confidence is sky high after the team’s overall performances as well as the form of Mohamed Salah who has scored a staggering 43 goals at club level.
Egypt will surely start the campaign as the underdogs and that has often helped the teams at an international level. The Pharaohs will be hoping to start their run with a win against Uruguay, who are the early favourites to top the group.
Strengths
The Egyptian squad has come a long way since their elimination at the 1990 World Cup. They now have experienced players who ply their trade in various major European leagues. Argentinian coach Hector Cuper is known for his cautious tactics and defensive approach. A well-drilled and organised defence is how he sets it up.
There is a lot of potential in this squad, with a number of their Premier League players having a good season. Throughout this campaign, Cuper has relied heavily on a handful of key players, who helped him achieve his principal goal.
West Brom’s Ahmed Hegazi was an authoritative figure at the back for the Baggies this season and the Pharaohs will surely rely on his presence and voice this summer. Mohammed Elneny, who plies his trade with Arsenal, will be given the responsibility of playing in central midfield.
Mohamed Elneny
Mohammed Salah surely cannot be given space anywhere outside the box. The Liverpool speedster looks untouchable on the ball, converting even the most difficult chances, making it look like he’s in a playground having fun.
Elmohamady will surely provide them with width on the wings with his pace and trickery, which will cause a lot of trouble to the opposing defenders.
Weaknesses
Though the quality in this side is undeniable, the squad does lack experience in terms of playing at the highest level that is the World Cup. This could make it a little difficult for them against other experienced sides who are regulars at the tournament.
Being the underdogs will surely take some of the pressure off the team but that still doesn’t lower the expectations of the fans. Most of the Egyptian players play for their local clubs and only a handful have played at an international competition, which will worry them a little.
Manager
Hector Raul Cuper is a former central defender who played mostly for Ferro Caril Oeste and played twice for Argentina.
Hector Raul Cuper
Cuper began his coaching career at Huracan, a year and a half after his retirement. He is among the best tacticians in modern football, as he constantly expects his teams to press against direct attacks and implements a very physical approach on the field. He uses both the pressing 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 by combining marking and a zonal defensive system.
World Cup History
Egypt have only competed in two World Cups, in which they have been knocked out quite early. Progressing past the group stages should see them achieve their biggest feat ever and doesn’t seem like a long shot considering the quality they possess in this current squad.
Key Player
This one’s pretty obvious isn’t it? Mo Salah is the hottest prospect in Europe right now. He has scored a stunning 43 goals for Liverpool, which has put the spotlight on him. With his Messi-like movement and his venomous finishing in front of goal, anything he touches pretty much turns to gold.
A lot will be expected of the Egyptian attacker, who is turning heads all over the planet for his god-like displays and his humble gestures.
Verdict
It wouldn’t be surprising to see this Egypt squad move past the group stages considering the quality in their side. However, it is hard to see them move further, which heavily depends on their fixtures. If they make it far, it will be a huge achievement for sure.
Prediction: Progress to Round of 16
Arsenal Women host Manchester United on Saturday in a crucial six pointer for Champions League qualification. The Gunners sit just one point above United in the WSL table and victory at Emirates Stadium would give them a strong buffer, while defeat leaves them playing catch up in the race for Europe.
The match marks Arsenal’s return from the winter break following a busy week that saw Renee Slegers sign a new contract and Jodie Taylor promoted to Technical Director. However, the immediate focus is on securing three points against Marc Skinner’s side in what promises to be a tense encounter.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports (UK)
Cooney Cross Absent For Personal Reasons
Arsenal will be without Kyra Cooney Cross who has returned to Australia for personal reasons. Daphne van Domselaar is not quite ready to return from a quad injury while Chloe Kelly remains out with a knee problem. Jenna Nighswonger will not be in the matchday squad as she negotiates a loan move.
New signing Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby will be in the squad alongside recalled goalkeeper Naomi Williams. Manu Zinsberger and Katie Reid are out with ACL injuries. The absence of Cooney Cross means Mariona will likely drop into the deeper midfield role she has occupied for much of the last year.
United Strengthened in January
Manchester United have been busy in the transfer window, adding full back Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave and centre forward Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. Skinner was dealt a poor hand over the summer with a very small squad handling Champions League qualifiers and the group phase.
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Maanum; Mead, Russo, Smith
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti; Park, Malard, Awujo; Schuller
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
Arsenal confirmed on January 9, 2026 that Jodie Taylor has been appointed as the club’s first ever Technical Director.
The 39-year-old former England striker moves up from her existing role as Technical Services Manager, a position she has held since September 2023 following her retirement from professional football.
Taylor’s promotion comes on the same day Arsenal announced Renee Slegers’ new contract extension through 2029, creating a strategic restructuring of the women’s football department.
A Decade Long Arsenal Connection
Taylor’s relationship with Arsenal spans ten years since first joining as a player in 2016. She scored 10 goals in 17 appearances during her initial spell before returning on a short-term deal in March 2023. Taylor earned 50 plus England caps during her international career and won the Golden Boot at Euro 2017.
She represented her country at the 2015 Women’s World Cup finishing third and played for multiple elite clubs including Lyon, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave throughout her career.
Strategic Structural Development
Taylor’s new role bridges critical areas of football operations including recruitment, analysis, coaching and performance support. She will work closely with Renee Slegers on a daily basis as the Technical Director, providing structural support for coaching decisions and squad development.
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley praised Taylor’s appointment as integral to continued development of the program as Arsenal challenges for major trophies consistently. Wheatley will now focus on upward management across UEFA, FIFA and domestic boards while Taylor handles day to day operations.
Building a High Performance Environment
Taylor expressed immense pride stepping into her new position, emphasizing Arsenal’s remarkable growth over the past decade. She committed to nurturing a high-performance environment where players, coaching staff and support teams have the right tools to deliver at the highest level.
Her appointment represents investment in female leadership within Arsenal’s technical infrastructure, aligning with the club’s commitment to developing their women’s program systematically and strategically moving forward into their next phase.
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
Arsenal confirmed on January 9, 2026 that head coach Renee Slegers has signed a new long-term contract extending through the summer of 2029.
The 36-year-old Dutch coach was previously due to exit at the end of the 2025-26 season but now commits three and a half additional years to the club. Her extension rewards an extraordinary debut season where she guided Arsenal to historic UEFA Women’s Champions League victory after beating Barcelona 1-0 in the Lisbon final.
From Academy Player to Champions League Winner
Renee Slegers’ connection to Arsenal dates back decades. She played in the club’s academy as a teenager and watched Arsenal claim their previous Champions League trophy in 2007 from the stands. Her return to the club came in summer 2023 as assistant coach following two years leading Swedish club Rosengard where she won back-to-back Damallsvenskan titles.
She stepped into the interim role in October 2024 when Jonas Eidevall departed and impressed immediately with an 11-match unbeaten run. That performance earned her permanent appointment in January 2025, and by May 2025 she had delivered historic Champions League glory.
Arsenal’s Long-Term Vision
Slegers told club media that her journey from academy player to Champions League winning head coach represents immense pride. She stated the club has much to achieve together in the coming seasons. Arsenal Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley described Slegers as an elite coach with capabilities to lead continued title challenges.
Chief Executive Richard Garlick praised her impact driving standards and progress toward consistent top-level competition.
Jodie Taylor Joins as Technical Director
The announcement accompanied confirmation that former England international Jodie Taylor has been appointed Arsenal’s first ever women’s technical director. Taylor, who retired in 2023 after two Arsenal playing spells, will work closely with Slegers on recruitment, analysis and specialisation. Her role bridges previously disconnected recruitment and technical departments creating stronger operational cohesion.
Arsenal continues their title defence facing Manchester United on January 11 with five trophies remaining in play this season.
Also read: Arsenal star Kyra Cooney-Cross returns to Australia after mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis
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