Salah fires Egypt to 2026 World Cup qualification glory

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Egypt secured its spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a convincing 3-0 victory over Djibouti in Casablanca on Wednesday, booking top position in Group A with one match to spare.

In the match, Mohamed Salah scored twice while Ibrahim Adel added the third, sealing Egypt’s qualification as the third African side after Morocco and Tunisia to punch a ticket to next year’s finals in North America.

The Pharaohs, who had already dominated their group, entered the game leading comfortably. With this win, Egypt finished their qualification campaign unbeaten in Group A, amassing an unassailable 23 points.

Salah, who has been pivotal throughout the qualifiers, further cemented his status as a talisman for the national team.

The win comes amid Africa’s expanded qualifying process, in which nine CAF nations will directly qualify for the World Cup.

Egypt’s success lifts the pressure off their remaining fixtures, allowing them to approach their final group match with less urgency.

As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, Egypt now joins Morocco and Tunisia as confirmed African representatives, and will await the official draw for the global tournament.