Egypt clinched their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Djibouti on October 8, 2025, in Casablanca. Star forward Mohamed Salah scored twice, while Ibrahim Adel added one goal, making Egypt the third African nation to qualify after Morocco and Tunisia.
This victory came in the Africa qualifiers Group A, where Egypt secured top position with one match left. The game unfolded at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, drawing cheers from fans as the Pharaohs dominated from the start.
Key Moments from the Match
The action kicked off early when Ibrahim Adel found the net in the eighth minute. This set the tone for Egypt’s control over the game. Mohamed Salah followed up six minutes later with his first goal, extending the lead.
Djibouti struggled to respond, with Egypt’s defense holding firm. The final goal came late from Salah in the 84th minute, sealing the win. Coaches praised the team’s focus and execution.
Crowd energy boosted the players, turning the stadium into a sea of support. This result not only qualified Egypt but also highlighted their strong form in the qualifiers.
Egypt outshot Djibouti by a wide margin, showing superior possession and tactics.
Mohamed Salah’s Stellar Role
Mohamed Salah proved once again why he ranks among the world’s best. His two goals brought his total to nine in this qualifying campaign, which started two years ago.
The Liverpool forward has now scored in multiple key matches for Egypt. Fans and analysts note his leadership on the field.
Salah’s performance included precise passes and defensive efforts. He celebrated with teammates, showing team spirit.
This qualification marks a personal milestone for Salah, who missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Egypt’s Path to Qualification
Egypt led Group A with an impressive record. They gathered enough points to finish first, even with one game remaining.
The qualifiers have been tough, but Egypt stayed unbeaten in most matches. This success builds on their history of strong showings in African football.
Other teams in the group, like Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, fell short. Egypt’s strategy focused on solid defense and quick attacks.
Here are some key stats from Egypt’s qualifying journey:
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- Matches played: 9
- Wins: 7
- Goals scored: 22
- Goals conceded: 4
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These numbers reflect a dominant run.
Broader African Qualification Picture
Africa will send nine teams to the 2026 World Cup, up from five in previous editions. Egypt joins Morocco and Tunisia as early qualifiers.
Ghana moved closer with a 5-0 win over Central African Republic. They need just one point from their last game against Comoros.
Cape Verde drew 3-3 with Libya, putting them two points ahead of Cameroon. A win over Eswatini could secure their first World Cup spot.
Cameroon, with a record eight appearances, beat Mauritius 2-0 but trails Cape Verde.
This expanded format offers more chances for African nations to shine on the global stage.
| Team | Points | Matches Played | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 22 | 9 | +18 |
| Cape Verde | 20 | 9 | +10 |
| Ghana (Group) | 18 | 9 | +12 |
| Cameroon | 18 | 9 | +8 |
This table shows top contenders in their groups as of October 9, 2025.
Egypt’s World Cup History and Future Hopes
Egypt has appeared in three World Cups before: 1934, 1990, and 2018. They aim to go beyond the group stage this time.
The 2018 run ended early, but lessons learned have strengthened the squad. With Salah leading, expectations are high for 2026.
The tournament will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Egypt hopes to make a deep run, inspired by Morocco’s 2022 semifinal feat.
Coaches plan intense preparations, including friendly matches. Fans dream of seeing their team lift the trophy.
What This Means for Fans and Football
This qualification boosts national pride in Egypt. Celebrations erupted across the country after the win.
It also spotlights African football’s growth. More spots mean more stories of triumph.
For Djibouti, the loss ends their campaign, but they gained experience against top teams.
Football unites people, and this achievement reminds us of the sport’s power.
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