After missing out on Qatar 2022, Egypt are headed to the FIFA World Cup 26™ after posting a 3-0 victory over Djibouti, punching their ticket to the global showpiece with a game to spare.
Egypt have been enormously impressive at both ends during their qualifying campaign, which saw them clinch the top spot in Group A. On the attacking end, the Pharaohs have amassed a whopping 19 goals in just nine matches, with talisman Mohamed Salah leading the way with nine goals. Not far behind are Trezeguet and Zizo, who have accounted for five and two goals each respectively.
The defence has risen to the occasion as well, yielding a meager two goals and veteran shot-stopper Mohamed El Shenawy recording seven clean sheets.
Egypt will no doubt be eager to arrive to North America next June in what will be their fourth World Cup. In their three previous appearances in 1934, 1990 and 2018, the African side failed to advance past the group stage. In fact, fans of the Pharaohs are still awaiting a first World Cup victory, and the team guided by head coach Hossam Hassan have shown in CAF qualifying that they have the quality to make history.
The experience boasted by the likes Salah and Trezeguet, who were part of the Egypt team that competed at Russia 2018, has blended nicely with younger attacking players such as Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed, making for an embarrassment of riches up top for Hassan.
The defence has its own strength in the form of Nice centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem and the calming presence in net of El Shenawy, who was part of the Al Ahly FC team that took part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.
While Morocco were the revelation at Qatar 2022 in reaching the semi-finals, the ingredients are all there for Egypt to pull of a similar feat next year in North America.
