By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Egypt booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 3–0 victory over Djibouti on Wednesday evening in Cairo, with Mohamed Salah scoring twice and Ibrahim Adel adding another to seal qualification with a game to spare.
The result confirms Egypt’s fourth appearance at the World Cup finals, following campaigns in 1934, 1990 and 2018 — and their first since Russia 2018.
Group B Standings (After Matchday 7)
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 🇪🇬 Egypt | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 2 | +12 | 19 |
| 2nd | 🇹🇬 Togo | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 7 | +2 | 11 |
| 3rd | 🇰🇪 Kenya | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 10 |
| 4th | 🇧🇮 Burundi | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 10 | -4 | 7 |
| 5th | 🇩🇯 Djibouti | 7 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 13 | -10 | 1 |
Egypt qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ✅
Dominant start from the Pharaohs
In front of a raucous home crowd, Egypt made their intentions clear from the start. The breakthrough came in the 8th minute when Ibrahim Adel latched onto a low cross from Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed, steering home a composed finish to calm early nerves.
Djibouti struggled to contain Egypt’s movement and intensity, and the hosts soon doubled their advantage. In the 14th minute, Mohamed Salah converted clinically from close range after neat build-up play involving Trezeguet and Omar Marmoush.
From there, Egypt dictated the tempo — comfortable in possession and patient in attack — as they closed in on qualification.
Salah seals it late
After the break, Egypt continued to dominate without overexerting themselves. Djibouti, already out of contention, offered little going forward and relied on their goalkeeper Alhassan Youssouf to keep the score respectable.
However, Salah ensured the night belonged to him when he struck again in the 84th minute, firing low into the corner from the edge of the box to make it 3–0 and spark celebrations across Cairo.
The double took Salah’s tally to four goals in the qualifiers, underlining his continued influence as captain and talisman.
Reactions;
Acting Egypt coach Mohamed Youssef praised his side’s focus and professionalism after sealing qualification:
“This is a proud moment for every Egyptian. The players showed hunger and maturity, and now the real work begins as we prepare for the World Cup.”
Captain Mohamed Salah added:
“It’s always special to wear this shirt and deliver for our people. We’ve worked hard for this — Egypt belongs on the world stage.”
Egypt’s World Cup Record
- Appearances: 4 (1934, 1990, 2018, 2026)
- Matches Played: 7
- Wins: 0
- Draws: 2
- Losses: 5
- Goals Scored: 5
- Goals Conceded: 12
- Best Finish: Group Stage (All appearances)
Projections
This qualification marks a new chapter for Egypt under interim management following Rui Vitória’s dismissal earlier this year. The team looks rejuvenated, with Ibrahim Adel’s emergence adding depth to an attack long dependent on Salah.
The partnership between Salah, Trezeguet, Omar Marmoush, and Mostafa Mohamed continues to deliver fluid attacking football — combining pace, directness and clinical finishing. Egypt’s defensive structure, meanwhile, remains one of Africa’s most disciplined.
With the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup, the Pharaohs now have a genuine opportunity to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
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