Egypt Seals World Cup 2026 Spot as Infantino Applauds Abu Rida
10 October 2025
Egypt clinches World Cup 2026 spot as Infantino salutes Abu Rida
FIFA president Gianni Infantino sent an official letter to Hani Abu Rida, head of the Egyptian Football Association, congratulating him on Egypt's qualification to the 2026 World Cup to be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Egypt sealed qualification with a 3-0 win over Djibouti on Wednesday night at the Arab El Zawiya Stadium in Morocco, in the ninth and penultimate round of Group A of the CAF African Qualifiers.
Egypt's goals came from Mohamed Salah who struck twice and Ibrahim Adel who opened the scoring, sealing the Pharaohs' place at the World Cup for the fourth time in the history of Egyptian football.
Infantino's message expressed appreciation for the high level shown by the team in the African qualifiers, noting that Egypt secured the ticket with one round to spare after a run of strong performances and impressive results that rekindled the glow of Egyptian football on the continental stage.
The FIFA president told Abu Rida that on behalf of the football community they extend heartfelt congratulations to the players, the technical staff and the medical team, and to the loyal fans who have been a fundamental support throughout the journey. He wished Egypt success in the upcoming World Cup and looked forward to seeing the president at future international events.
In the same message, signed by also Matthias Graafström, the FIFA general secretary, Infantino added that they share in the joy and that the World Cup awaits with excitement for what Egypt can achieve on the world stage.
This qualification is the fourth for Egypt in the World Cup after appearances in 1934, 1990 and 2018, a milestone that carries a special flavor because the team topped its group with 23 points from seven wins and two draws, suffering no defeats, a sign of stability and growth in performance.
Egypt edged ahead of its closest rival Burkina Faso by five points to ensure the berth before the final match against Guinea-Bissau, which is scheduled for Sunday at Cairo International Stadium in front of a likely large crowd celebrating the achievement.
Hani Abu Rida expressed great happiness at the gesture from the FIFA president, stressing that qualifying for the World Cup in 2026 is the culmination of long term work across qualifiers and thanking the players, the coaching staff under the national coach for their commitment and determination.
Abu Rida added in a statement that World Cup qualification is more than just a football achievement; it is a result of collective effort aimed at restoring Egypt to its natural place in world football.
He also said that they appreciate the FIFA congratulations and hope to meet the expectations at the forthcoming World Cup.
Fans in Cairo are set for a grand celebration at the Cairo International Stadium during the Guinea-Bissau match, with authorities allowing expanded attendance and security preparations and performances by local artists planned as part of the celebrations.
The federation is expected to honour players and staff with a symbolic recognition before the game as gratitude for their work in the qualifiers.
Egyptians are awaiting details of the World Cup preparation schedule, with the team likely to play several friendlies against European and American teams ahead of the global event which will feature 48 teams for the first time in its history.
Looking ahead, the Egyptian sports community hopes for a strong and distinctive showing in the next World Cup, building on the progress shown in the qualifiers and bolstering the squad with new European-based talents to ensure serious competition in the world’s biggest football tournament.
In concluding, Infantino underscored Egypt's historic standing in Africa and the Arab world, expressing FIFA's pride in the Federation of Egyptian Football and its role in supporting and developing football across Africa and the Arab world, and wishing continued success in future championships.
Note: this article closes with a light touch of humor to keep the spirit upbeat. If defense were a language, Egypts back line would be fluent and then some. And if you think predicting 48 teams is wild, wait until you see me try to pronounce all the host cities without a map. Punchline delivered, now pass me the snacks and the victory dance.
