The Pharaohs will play in the eight-team tournament for the second time, having participated in the 1999 edition.

Their experience in Mexico was far from being remarkable as they finished bottom of their group and suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their final group-stage game.

EURO 2008 champions Spain are firm favorites to win this year's title, but Del Bosque believes the other teams are capable of springing a surprise.

"There are champions from other competitions here as well. There are a lot of good teams," Del Bosque told a press conference ahead of Spain's opening game against New Zealand on Sunday.

"We've seen Brazil play, we know all about Italy, and even Egypt could win this."

Egypt, who were drawn in Group B, open their campaign against five-time world champions Brazil on Monday.

They then face World Cup winners Italy on Thursday before concluding their first-round matches against the United States on June 21st.