Egypt secures 2026 World Cup spot with 3-0 win over Djibouti, Salah scores twice

The Egyptian national team defeated Djibouti 3-0 on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco. The result secured mathematical qualification for the 2026 World Cup with one round remaining in the African Qualifiers. Mohamed Salah, captain and Liverpool star, scored two goals in the match.

Ibrahim Adel opened the scoring in the 8th minute of the first half, capitalizing on a team move. Salah extended the lead at the 14th minute with a precise shot from outside the box and sealed the scoreline at the 84th minute in a swift counterattack. The win elevated Egypt to 23 points in Group A, four ahead of second-placed Burkina Faso.

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Coach Rui Vitória fielded a team focused on defensive efficiency and quick offensive transitions. Egypt held 68% possession and took 18 shots, compared to Djibouti’s two attempts.

🇪🇬 Egypt have qualified for the #FIFAWorldCup!@EgyptNT | #WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/MUyOoaaE6X

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 8, 2025

Goals and match highlights

The first half ended with Egypt leading 2-0, driven by Salah’s speed on the right wing. Adel exploited a gap in the defense and scored with a low, driven shot. Salah, in his ninth Qualifiers match, tallied seven goals in the campaign.

In the second half, Djibouti pressed forward, but Egypt’s defense, led by Hegazi, neutralized their efforts. Salah’s second goal came from a Marmoush assist, who nearly scored himself.

Tunisian referee Mohamed Boughrara officiated without issuing red cards, handing out four yellows, two per side.

Undefeated campaign in Group A

Egypt completed nine games without a loss, with seven wins and two draws. Their lead was built with consistent scorelines, like a 4-0 win over Ethiopia in September.

Burkina Faso beat Sierra Leone 1-0 on the same day but remained at 18 points. Guinea-Bissau, third-placed, has 10 points and faces Egypt in the final round.

Djibouti, bottom of the group, has one point from nine matches, with eight losses.

• Five-point lead over second place before the final round.
• Average of 2.5 goals scored per game by Egypt.
• Zero goals conceded in the last three matches.

The campaign reflects tactical solidity under Vitória, hired in 2022.

Mohamed Salah as Qualifiers’ top scorer

Salah took the spotlight with nine goals in nine games, surpassing rivals like Gabon’s Bouanga. His first goal came from a sharp dribble past two defenders, followed by a placed shot. The second goal sealed the qualification and marked his 52nd for the national team.

At Liverpool, the forward has 12 goals this season but prioritized the FIFA date. Teammates like Trezeguet and Zizo supported the attack, each with two assists. Marmoush’s absence due to injury did not impact Salah’s individual performance.

He dedicated the goals to the Egyptian fans, who filled the neutral stadium.

African history in the World Cup

Egypt returns to the World Cup after missing 2022, when they lost in the playoff to Senegal. This will be their fourth appearance, 64 years after their debut in 1934, in Italy. In 1990, in the USA, they drew with the Netherlands and lost to Ireland and England.

In 2018, in Russia, they were in Group A with Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and the hosts, failing to advance. Seven African teams are already qualified, with nine total spots for the continent.

The 2026 World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Egypt aims for its best campaign since independence in 1934.

Next challenge ahead

Egypt faces Guinea-Bissau on Sunday, October 12, at Cairo International Stadium. The match, at 4 p.m. Brasília time, will test reserves and maintain momentum. A win ensures a perfect home record in the Qualifiers.

Djibouti closes its campaign against Ethiopia, with no chance of advancing. The African Football Confederation awards direct spots to the nine group leaders. The four best runners-up compete in a continental playoff.

Egypt targets the 2025 African Cup of Nations title to build confidence.