Spain 0-0 Egypt: European champions frustrated despite Fathy red

Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man Egypt in their final scheduled friendly on home soil before the 2026 World Cup.

La Roja swept aside Serbia last week in a game that replaced the cancelled Finalissima match with Argentina, but they were frustrated in Barcelona by the seven-time African champions.

Hamdi Fathy was sent off for a second bookable offence six minutes from the end of normal time, but an excellent performance from Oufa Shobeir in the Egypt goal meant the African side earned a draw.

It was Egypt who had the best chance of the first half as Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, leading the line in place of the injured Mohamed Salah, struck the post with a low drive.

But Spain were much improved in the second half, Shobeir turning an effort from substitute Fermin Lopez wide of the right-hand post before his Barcelona team-mate Pedri was twice denied by point-blank saves from the Egypt goalkeeper.

Islam Issa was taken off on a stretcher in a blow for the visitors, but their goal continued to live a charmed life, Cristhian Mosquera heading over and Rodri dragging wide from long range.

Fathy’s dismissal after conceding a free-kick on the edge of the area looked like it might lead to the dam finally bursting but, after Shobeir turned Alejandro Grimaldo’s effort from that set-piece against the crossbar, the European champions ran out of steam and ultimately ran out of ideas.