CAIRO — With the 2026 World Cup dream within touching distance, the Egyptian national team, led by Hossam Hassan, has wrapped up preparations for Wednesday’s decisive qualifier against Djibouti at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Morocco. Kickoff is at 7:00pm Cairo Local Time, A victory will book Egypt’s ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
The Pharaohs’ final training session at Cairo International Stadium was sharp and focused, featuring 19 players in light drills and warm-ups before the squad jetted off to Morocco. The mood in camp reflected quiet confidence — and with good reason.
Unbeaten in eight games, Egypt sits comfortably atop Group A with 20 points from six wins and two draws, holding a five-point cushion over second-placed Burkina Faso.
A win against Djibouti will secure Egypt’s qualification, while a draw would delay confirmation until the final round against Guinea-Bissau on October 12 in Cairo.
Egypt could also qualify with a draw if Burkina Faso fails to beat Sierra Leone in the other group fixture.
History is firmly on Egypt’s side. The Pharaohs have faced Djibouti three times before and won on every occasion, with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah remains the top scorer in these encounters with three goals.
After facing Djibouti on October 8 in Morocco, the Pharaohs will return home to host Guinea-Bissau on October 12 in the final round of African qualifiers.
The 2026 World Cup will be staged in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
Eyes on AFCON glory next
Beyond World Cup ambitions, Egypt is already looking ahead to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, running from December 21 to January 18.
Drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe, Egypt, the seven-time African champions are targeting another deep run.
Egyptian Football Association President Hani Abu Rida said the team’s minimum goal is to reach the AFCON’s semi-finals, while admitting the dream remains to lift the coveted trophy once more.
Abu Rida also reaffirmed his full support for the technical staff, led by head coach Hossam Hassan and his twin brother, assistant coach Ibrahim Hassan, confirming their tenure will continue through the 2026 World Cup campaign.
Squad for October Camp
Goalkeepers: Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Sobhi, Abdel Aziz El-Balouti
Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Ahmed Eid, Rami Rabia, Khaled Sobhi, Yasser Ibrahim, Amr El-Gazar, Hossam Abdel Meguid, Mohamed Hamdy, Ahmed Nabil “Koka”
Midfielders: Marwan Attia, Hamdy Fathy, Muhannad Laishin, Mahmoud Saber, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo,” Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet,” Ibrahim Adel, Mostafa Fathy
Forwards: Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed, Osama Faisal
The squad sees several absences due to injuries, including Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Abdel Monem, Mohamed Shahta, Nabil Emad Donga, Imam Ashour, Salah Mohsen, and Mahmoud Abdel Hafiz “Zalaka.”
