Egypt defeats Djibouti 3-0 and secures spot in 2026 World Cup with two Salah goals Por Luís Henrique Costa
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The Egyptian national team defeated Djibouti 3-0 this Wednesday in Casablanca, Morocco, in the penultimate round of the African Qualifiers. The result mathematically secured the Group A lead and direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Mohamed Salah, captain and Liverpool star, scored twice and was the match’s standout.
The game took place at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, under Djibouti’s home rights. The Egyptians opened the scoring early and controlled the match, reaching 23 points in the standings. Burkina Faso, in second place, beat Sierra Leone 1-0 but ended with 18 points, no longer threatening the Pharaohs’ position.
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Egypt becomes the 19th team confirmed for the tournament, the third from the African continent after Morocco and Tunisia. The African Qualifiers offer nine direct spots, one per group leader, with the top four runners-up competing in a playoff for an intercontinental repechage spot.
Goals and Egyptian dominance in the first half
Midfielder Adel opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a precise shot from outside the box. Salah doubled the lead at the 14th, finishing a quick one-two with Trezeguet on the right.
Djibouti’s defense, under pressure from the start, made errors that eased the Egyptians’ attacks. Rui Vitória’s side held 68% possession and created at least five clear chances in the first 45 minutes.
Salah’s performance surpasses historical marks
Mohamed Salah solidified his status as Egypt’s all-time top scorer with 63 goals in 110 appearances. The achievement places him ahead of names like Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, both with 62 international goals.
In the second half, the forward sealed the scoreline at the 84th minute with a curled shot after a counterattack. His performance included two assists and key recoveries, boosting team morale for the World Cup.
- Salah: 2 goals and 1 assist.
- Adel: 1 goal.
- Possession: 68% for Egypt.
- Shots on target: 12 (Egypt) vs. 2 (Djibouti).
Path of the African Qualifiers
The African Qualifiers involved 54 teams divided into 12 groups since November 2023. The format prioritizes group leaders for direct spots, with a focus on regional matchups to balance travel.
Group A featured Egypt, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and Djibouti, with the Egyptians unbeaten at home. The final victory adds to a campaign of seven wins in eight games, affirming continental strength.
Burkina Faso still vies for second place, but Egypt now turns to World Cup preparations. Six direct spots remain in the continent.
Djibouti, last with zero points, ends the phase without wins. The African federation plans calendar adjustments for 2026.
Egyptian preparations for the expanded World Cup
Coach Rui Vitória praised the squad’s maturity after the final whistle. The team trained in Port Said before traveling, emphasizing physical recovery routines.
Players like Elneny from Arsenal and Trezeguet from Besiktas were key in transitions. Egypt aims for a balanced group in the December draw.
The participation marks the country’s fourth World Cup appearance, following 1934, 1990, and 2018. Expectations rise with the 48-team format.
Teams already qualified for the tournament
To date, 19 teams have confirmed their presence in the 2026 World Cup. Host nations lead the list, followed by confederation leaders.
- Hosts: United States, Mexico, Canada.
- Asia: Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Uzbekistan, Jordan.
- South America: Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay.
- Africa: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt.
- Oceania: New Zealand.
The tournament begins on June 11, with the final on July 19 in the US. The draw takes place in Miami.
Salah’s legacy with the national team
Salah debuted for the national team in 2012 and transformed Egypt’s attack. His 63 goals surpass generations, with a record of 50 in qualifiers.
The 33-year-old player plans to end his international career after 2026. November collective training will test reserves.
Egyptian fans filled Cairo’s streets to celebrate. Banners featuring Salah’s face adorn the capital.
