Egypt have never had more riding on a World Cup campaign.
Egypt are seven-time Africa Cup of Nations winners and one of the continent’s most celebrated football nations. Yet on the global stage they have consistently fallen short.
Three previous World Cup appearances – in 1934, 1990 and 2018 – all ended without reaching the knockout stages. Under Hossam Hassan – Egypt’s all-time record scorer with 69 goals, now turned coach – the Pharaohs arrive in North America with genuine belief this squad can finally break that cycle.
How they got there
Egypt topped CAF Group A with an unbeaten campaign – eight wins and two draws, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two. Mohamed Salah led the scoring with nine qualifying goals.
Hassan took charge in February 2024 and transformed the squad into a disciplined, cohesive unit built on defensive solidity and quick transitions, sealing qualification with a full round to spare.
Best ever World Cup finish
Egypt’s three previous World Cup campaigns have all ended at the group stage. Their 1934 debut saw them lose to Hungary in a straight knockout tournament.
In 1990 a memorable 1-1 draw against the Netherlands and a 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland were not enough – Egypt lost to England and finished fourth in the group.
In 2018 Salah scored twice but Egypt finished bottom of a group containing Uruguay, Russia and Saudi Arabia. The knockout rounds remain entirely uncharted.
Iconic moments
Egypt’s finest World Cup moment came at Italia 1990 when they held the Netherlands to a 1-1 draw in their second group match – one of the most celebrated results in the Pharaohs’ history.
Players to watch
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – The captain and the reason Egypt are here. The 33-year-old – who turns 34 on the day Egypt face Belgium on 15 June – arrives at what is widely expected to be his final World Cup. He sits two goals short of Hassan’s scoring record of 69.
Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) – Egypt’s second most dangerous attacking threat. The Manchester City forward brings pace, movement and the ability to play off Salah or through the middle – giving Hassan a genuine two-pronged attack capable of troubling any defence in Group G.
Fixtures
15 Jun: Belgium vs Egypt – Lumen Field, Seattle – 21:00 SAST
22 Jun: New Zealand vs Egypt – BC Place, Vancouver – 03:00 SAST
27 Jun: Egypt vs Iran – Lumen Field, Seattle – 05:00 SAST
Photo: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
