Egypt to start preparations for World Cup in December

Egypt will kick off their World Cup preparations in December after the tournament’s draw is made, Egyptian Football Association (EFA) president Hani Abou-Reida said on Tuesday.

Egypt secured a World Cup berth for the first time since 1990 after topping qualifying Group E with 13 points, finishing ahead of Uganda on nine.

The draw for the group stage of the 2018 World Cup will take place on 1 December in Moscow.

“I preferred to put any plans on hold until the World Cup draw,” Abou-Reida said in a TV program on Tuesday.

“We will have many offers (for friendly games) after the draw and we will choose the one that best suits the national team.”

The EFA chief revealed that the Pharaohs had declined an offer from Russia to play a friendly during the ongoing international break.

“When we received the Russian offer, our qualification was not ensured yet,” he added

“I preferred to turn down the offer in order not to distract the players.” Source: Ahram online