March 31, 2026 — Barcelona, Spain
In a high‑profile international friendly held as part of pre‑FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations, Spain and Egypt played out a goalless 0–0 draw at the RCDE Stadium near Barcelona — a result that showcased Spain’s dominance in possession but also highlighted striking inefficiency in attack.
🗓 Match Details
- Fixture: Spain vs Egypt (International Friendly)
- Venue: RCDE Stadium, Cornella de Llobregat, Spain
- Kick‑off: March 31, 2026
- Final Score: Spain 0–0 Egypt
Spain controlled much of the play throughout the match, holding an approximate 61 % share of possession and tallying 25 shot attempts versus Egypt’s 4, but they were unable to break down a disciplined Egyptian defense. Spain’s closest moments came when Alejandro Grimaldo hit the crossbar late in the second half, and other promising chances were squandered despite heavy pressure. Egypt’s goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir impressed with several key saves to deny the hosts.
📊 Player Ratings & Standout Performances
Here’s a snapshot of player ratings from both teams, reflecting contributions and impact on the pitch:
Spain Player Ratings (vs Egypt):
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Pedro Porro | 8.0 |
| Alejandro Grimaldo | 7.5 |
| Dean Huijsen | 7.4 |
| Ander Barrenetxea | 7.4 |
| Mosquera | 7.5 |
| Lamine Yamal | 6.4 |
| Ferran Torres | 6.0 |
Egypt Player Ratings (vs Spain):
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Mostafa Shobeir | 7.6 |
| El Fotouh | 7.5 |
| Lasheen | 7.6 |
| Zizo | 7.1 |
| Hany | 7.0 |
Man of the Match: Mostafa Shobeir (Egypt) — his shot‑stopping heroics were critical to earning a clean sheet.
⚠️ Off‑Field Controversy: Islamophobic Chants Mar Friendly
While the action on the pitch ended in a draw, the match was overshadowed by offensive and discriminatory chants from segments of the Spanish crowd, which prompted police investigation and widespread condemnation. Reports indicate that fans chanted insulting slogans targeting Muslims — behavior that led to public rebukes from Spain’s FA, coach Luis de la Fuente, and players alike.
Spanish winger Lamine Yamal, one of the team’s prominent stars, explicitly denounced the chants as “disrespectful and ignorant,” calling for respect and inclusion in football. Authorities confirmed that local police are examining the incident for potential xenophobic and racist implications.
The Egyptian Football Association also condemned the discriminatory chants, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in sport. Spain’s Justice Minister publicly warned against the normalization of hate in football environments.
🔮 What This Means for Both Teams
- Spain: Despite controlling the match and dominating possession, the inability to convert chances will likely raise concerns as the squad prepares for World Cup Group H action. The draw also saw Spain briefly drop from the top of the FIFA world rankings.
- Egypt: Holding European champions to a draw on foreign soil provides a morale‑boosting result ahead of tournament competition and highlights defensive organization.
Both sides will use this match as a learning experience as the World Cup approaches, with Spain set to refine attacking options and Egypt gaining confidence in their defensive setup.
