Egypt were back. Missing from the previous edition, they had last graced the World Cup in 2018. Under Hossam Hassan, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Egypt return to a first World Cup since 2018 missing 2022 after a penalty-shootout loss to Senegal in the African playoff. Mohamed Salah, 33, captains what is expected to be his last World Cup attempt. Coach Hossam Hassan, an Egyptian football legend as a player, took the national team job in 2024 after Rui Vitória's departure.
Egypt emerged from the group stage unbeaten, showing resilience in a tough opening round. They survived a penalty shootout against Australia in the Round of 32, and were narrowly knocked out by Argentina in the Round of 16. The narrowest of defeats against Argentina ended what had been a promising tournament run.
1won3drawn1lost
8scored7conceded
3 draws in 5 matches scored in every match.
Mohamed Salah, 33, remains one of the world's top forwards despite his Liverpool contract entering its final stages. His 2017 and 2018 Ballon d'Or top-five finishes and two Premier League Golden Boots give the Egyptian side global name recognition.
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2.4per match
Attia booked twice 4 cards in a single match vs Argentina.
Emam Ashour led Egypt's attack with 2 goals 1 in the group stage and 1 in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Zico, both with 2. A striker who set the tone early, with goals before the 20th minute that put opponents on the back foot.
Hassan, 58, is Egypt's all-time top scorer (69 goals) and a four-time AFCON winner as a player. His appointment was culturally significant: Egypt's most-decorated living footballer finally coaching the national team. Leading Egypt at his first World Cup just 1 win in 5 under Hassan.
