"Of course, Egypt are the second team that we root for, after Russia. We'll hope for good results today [at the World Cup opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia]," Umarov said at a press conference.

Egypt, who will be based in the Chechen capital Grozny during the World Cup, will play Uruguay in Yekaterinburg on Friday, before also facing hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia in their other two Group A matches.

Umarov also said he hoped that Egypt start striker Mohamed Salah, who sustained a shoulder injury in late May, would still shine at the tournament.