The 18-year-old attacker had not been widely expected to make the final selection, mainly because he is still developing inside Barcelona's youth system. But Egypt coach Hossam Hassan decided the youngster had shown enough potential to deserve an opportunity on football's biggest stage.
Abdelkarim only arrived in Spain earlier this year after FC Barcelona completed a loan move from Al Ahly SC, with an option to sign him permanently. Since joining the Catalan club, the forward has quickly impressed coaches with his technical ability, movement and confidence in front of goal.
His performances in Barcelona's youth setup have already attracted attention, and Egypt now appear ready to accelerate his development by exposing him to elite international football.
Egypt's squad still centres around experienced stars such as Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, but Abdelkarim's inclusion highlights the national team's desire to build for the future while remaining competitive.
The teenager is expected to provide an extra attacking option during the tournament, despite having limited senior experience. Egypt's coaching staff believe his creativity and fearless style could offer something different against top-level opposition.
Egypt national football team will begin their Group G campaign against Belgium on June 15 before facing New Zealand and Iran later in the group stage.
If Abdelkarim plays during the tournament, he will become the youngest Egyptian ever to appear at a World Cup, breaking the previous national record set by Ramadan Sobhi in 2018.
Egypt's preliminary World Cup 2026 squad:
Goalkeepers
Mohamed Alaa, Mohamed El Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, El Mahdy Soliman
Defenders
Hossam Abdelmagid, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Tarek Alaa, Ahmed Fatouh, Karim Hafez, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Rami Rabia
Midfielders
Emam Ashour, Marwan Attia, Nabil Emad, Hamdi Fathi, Haitham Hassan, Mohannad Lashin, Mahmoud Saber, Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet", Mostafa Zico, Ahmed Sayed "Zizo"
Forwards
Aqtay Abdullah, Hamza Abdulkarim, Ibrahim Adel, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah
