Egypt has officially booked its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 3-0 victory over Djibouti in Casablanca on Wednesday, with Mohamed Salah once again leading from the front. The Liverpool forward scored twice, ensuring his country’s qualification with one game to spare.
The win extends Egypt’s dominance in Group A, giving them an unassailable lead over Burkina Faso. Salah’s double took his tally to nine goals in the qualifying campaign, which began nearly two years ago, reaffirming his status as one of Africa’s most prolific goal scorers.
Salah, 33, who helped Liverpool win their record-equalling 20th Premier League title last season while earning the Golden Boot with 29 goals, has endured a quieter start to the current club season. Despite that, his performance for Egypt underlines his continued importance to both club and country.
Egypt opened the scoring early through Ibrahim Adel, who netted in the eighth minute. Six minutes later, Salah added a second before sealing the result with a composed finish in the 84th minute. Djibouti, ranked 158th globally, struggled to contain Egypt’s pace and precision throughout the match.
This qualification marks Egypt’s fifth appearance at the World Cup, having previously featured in 1934, 1990, 2018, and now 2026. Despite their record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, consistent World Cup success has often eluded the Pharaohs, a challenge they aim to overcome in North America.
Elsewhere in African qualifiers, Ghana thrashed the Central African Republic 5-0, moving closer to securing their spot. Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey found the net alongside Jordan Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Alexander Djiku, and Mohammed Salisu. With a superior goal difference, Ghana needs just one point in their final fixture to qualify.
In another dramatic clash, Cape Verde came from behind to draw 3-3 with Libya, keeping their dream of a maiden World Cup appearance alive. The island nation, known as the Blue Sharks, now leads Group D ahead of Cameroon, who defeated Mauritius 2-0 thanks to Bryan Mbeumo and Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu.
Egypt’s qualification further cements Salah’s legacy as one of Africa’s football icons, and his leadership will be vital as the Pharaohs prepare for the biggest stage in world football.
