Pedri's World Cup 2026 Wishlist: Salah, Haaland, and a Dream Duel for Spain

Pedri Eyes World Cup 2026 Showdowns

Spanish midfielder Pedri Gonzalez has spoken about his wish to test himself against Salah and other top players at the 2026 World Cup. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in June 2026. Spain have been drawn into Group 8 with Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Egypt, meanwhile, are in Group 7 with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand. Pedri told Marca that while Spain is not certain to lift the trophy, the road will be tough. When asked who he regards as the best players today, he named Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, Salah, Haaland, Rafinha and Julian Alvarez as among the world’s best. He said he hopes to face all of them, except Lamine who plays with him, and especially wants clashes with Haaland and Salah since he has never faced them before. There were rumors of a Spain–Egypt friendly in Qatar in March. Pedri has missed Barca’s last match vs Villarreal after a re-injury during a training session.

Groups, Opponents and a Possible Friendly

Pedri's remarks come as Spain and Egypt prepare for the tournament. Spain are in Group 8 with Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, while Egypt are in Group 7 with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand. A potential Spain–Egypt warm-up in Qatar in March has been floated in the press. Pedri has recently sat out Barca’s clash with Villarreal due to a renewed injury picked up in training.