Egypt became the third African nation, after Morocco and Tunisia, to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating Djibouti 3–0 on Wednesday.
The Pharaohs, who have never won a match at the World Cup finals, will return to the global stage after missing the 2022 edition. Next year’s tournament will mark their fourth appearance, having previously featured in 1934, 1990, and 2018.
Egypt started brightly and thought they had taken the lead in the 7th minute when Mostafa Mohamed found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Just a minute later, they made it count — Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” delivered a precise cross from the right, and Ibrahim Adel rose high to head home the opener.
Salah breaks Drogba and Eto’o’s records
In the 14th minute, Mahmoud Trezeguet played captain Mohamed Salah through on goal, and he coolly slotted in a low finish to double Egypt’s advantage. The strike made Salah the all-time top scorer in African World Cup qualifying, with 20 goals — surpassing Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Moumouni Dagano, and Islam Slimani, who each have 18.
Salah continued to torment the Djibouti defense, hitting the crossbar late in the first half and nearly setting up Mostafa Mohamed for a third before the break.
After halftime, Egypt remained dominant. Mostafa Mohamed struck the post in the 59th minute, while substitute goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir replaced Mohamed El Shenawy following an injury.
Salah sealed the victory in the 82nd minute with a brilliant lob over the goalkeeper, completing his brace and wrapping up a comfortable 3–0 win.
The six-time African champions have now secured qualification under head coach Hossam Hassan, who becomes only the second Egyptian manager to lead the national team to a World Cup after Mahmoud El Gohary.
Egypt sits atop Group A with 23 points and will host Guinea-Bissau in their final qualifier on Sunday at Cairo International Stadium — a match that is now a mere formality.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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