Spain's national team drew 0-0 with Egypt in a friendly at RCDE Stadium in Cornellá, losing the top FIFA ranking spot. The match, the last test before the 2026 World Cup squad announcement, featured Joan García's debut and an improved second half after substitutions, but was marred by xenophobic chants like 'musulmán el que no bote'. Coach Luis de la Fuente and the RFEF condemned the incidents.
Spain failed to score against Egypt at RCDE Stadium in Cornellá, Barcelona, in the last friendly before announcing the 26 players for the 2026 World Cup. Starting with ten changes from the Serbia match—only Lamine Yamal repeated—Luis de la Fuente's side showed midfield imbalances without Rodri or Zubimendi. Egypt, fresh from a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia, grew into the game as Marmoush hit the post on a counter.
At halftime, De la Fuente made four key substitutions: Rodri, Pedri, Fermín López, and Víctor Muñoz entered, regaining control and fluidity. The second half was dominant, with chances from Fermín and Muñoz, and Grimaldo hitting the crossbar, but no goals. Joan García debuted at his former Espanyol stadium—now at Barça—receiving divided boos and cheers.
The festive atmosphere of 37,000 fans, with chants like 'yo soy español', was tainted by boos to the Egyptian anthem and xenophobic chants 'musulmán el que no bote' twice in the first half. Stadium announcements warned at halftime and before the second half about penalties for racist attitudes. 'Total and absolute repulsion towards any racist, xenophobic attitude. It is intolerable,' De la Fuente stated.
RFEF president Rafael Louzán called it an 'isolated incident' and thanked the turnout. Pedri said the players were surprised, while Egypt coach Hossam Hassan didn't hear it and praised the atmosphere. The symbolic loss of the FIFA top ranking highlights the need for wins, with the World Cup two months away.
