CAIRO — Set against the timeless majesty of the Giza Pyramids and staged in front of the iconic Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt delivered a commanding display, surging to the title at the fourth edition of the 2026 World Powerlifting Cup (WPC/AWPC World Cup, Egypt 2026).
Held from February 8 to 12, the global showdown brought together nearly 360 competitors representing 21 nations in a high-stakes celebration of strength and precision. But when the final lifts were locked in and the competition reached its climax, it was the Pharaohs who towered above the rest, asserting their dominance on home soil in emphatic fashion.
Ranking champions
Egypt finished atop the overall country rankings, leaving Iraq in second place and Nigeria rounding out the podium in third. It was a commanding display of superiority from the opening lift to the final moment of competition.
Over four electrifying days of competition, the Egyptian squad amassed a staggering 270 medals: 207 gold, 49 silver, and 14 bronze.
The numbers tell a story of supremacy, but the performances told an even bigger one — physical power and unwavering determination defined Egypt’s campaign.
Power streak
Egypt’s dominance unfolded day by day, as the hosts wasted no time asserting control over the competition.
The opening day set the tone with an impressive haul of 43 medals — 28 gold, 12 silver, and three bronze — serving as an early warning to the rest of the field.
Momentum only intensified on the second day, when Egypt added 48 more medals, including a remarkable 44 gold, alongside three silver and one bronze.
By the third day, the Pharaohs had tightened their grip on the summit, collecting 65 medals — 55 gold and 10 silver — further widening the gap between themselves and their closest rivals.
The final day delivered a breathtaking climax, with an astonishing 114 medals added to the tally, including 80 gold, 24 silver, and 10 bronze. By the final whistle, Egypt’s lead was not just secure — it was untouchable.
Elite athletes
Egypt’s triumph extended far beyond an overwhelming medal tally, as several of its standout athletes rose above the competition to earn Best Player honours in their respective categories.
Tarek Mohamed, Yehia Ali Abdel, Yehia Mohamed, Tawfiq Atef, Hussein Ali Osman, George Philip, and Ayman Mazhar each delivered exceptional performances, cementing their status among the tournament’s elite and underscoring the depth of talent within the Egyptian national team.
In the women’s division, Hadeer Ibrahim delivered a standout performance to claim the Best Player title, underlining the strength of Egyptian women’s powerlifting on the global stage.
Grand triumph
For the fourth consecutive year, Egypt hosted the World Cup — and once again, the organisation earned widespread acclaim.
Staged in a spectacular setting overlooking the Grand Egyptian Museum, the event blended sporting intensity with cultural grandeur, projecting a powerful image of Egypt’s capability to stage world-class international championships.
