Egypt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: The Pharaohs and Salah’s Last Dance

Egypt returns to the FIFA World Cup with one of the most iconic players in the history of the game leading their charge. Mohamed Salah — Liverpool’s legendary forward — enters the 2026 tournament at 33 years of age in what is almost certainly his final World Cup. The entire nation, the entire continent, and millions of fans worldwide are watching to see if Salah can finally shine on football’s biggest stage.

The Pharaohs are drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand. Advancing from this group is achievable — particularly with New Zealand as one of the opponents — but Belgium with De Bruyne and Iran with Taremi will provide stern tests. Egypt’s success is almost entirely dependent on Salah’s form and the team’s ability to create situations for him to be decisive.

The Salah Paradox

Egypt’s World Cup record is modest — they first appeared in 1934 and their only other appearance was in 1990. But with Salah at his peak for club and country, this team has a genuine chance to advance further than ever before. Salah scored in the qualifiers; he needs to deliver on the biggest stage.

Key Players

• Mohamed Salah – Liverpool legend, Egypt’s captain and the engine of everything they do
• Ahmed Hegazy – Experienced central defender who organizes the backline
• Mostafa Mohamed – Strong physical striker who plays alongside Salah

Egypt has one mission: get the ball to Salah in dangerous positions as often as possible. When that happens, anything is possible for the Pharaohs.