EGYPT

Egypt is a four-time World Cup participant (1934, 1990, 2018, 2026), never having advanced past the group stage. At the 2026 World Cup, Egypt plays in Group G against New Zealand, Belgium, and Iran. Head coach Hossam Hassan is a former legendary striker (since February 2024) and the team's all-time top scorer. The leaders: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, captain), Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed, Mohamed Sherif.

Egypt is a pioneer of African football. In 1934 in Italy it became the first African national team to play at the World Cup — losing 2:4 to Hungary in the round of 16. After that, 56 years away from the World Cup. In 1990 in Italy — another group stage (two 1:1 draws with the Netherlands and Ireland, a 0:1 defeat to England). Twenty-eight years later in Russia 2018, Salah arrived at the World Cup — but played injured after the Champions League final tackle from Sergio Ramos. The team lost all three matches: Uruguay 0:1, Russia 1:3, Saudi Arabia 1:2 (a late Salah goal). The breakthrough didn't come.

Qualifying was undefeated. Hassan built the team on a clean defense (only 2 goals conceded in the entire campaign) and counterattacks through Salah. In Group G the main rival is Belgium (the opener on June 15 in Seattle). Matches are in Seattle, Vancouver, and Seattle. Salah at 33 is potentially playing his last tournament — the key figure and national hero of Egypt.

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