Egypt are in Group A with hosts Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia as they bid to become the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals.
Led by the marauding Mohamed Salah, fresh from a remarkable season with Liverpool, Egypt return to the global football quadrennial tournament for the first time after 28 years.
Since their last World Cup appearance in 1990, Egypt have gone to win four Africa Cup of Nations titles but had failed to transform their continental dominance onto the global stage.
However despite being snubbed from the squad headed for Russia, El-Shahat is backing Egypt for an incredible run at the tournament.