Egypt qualified for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico on Wednesday with a 0-3 victory over Djibouti. Mohamed Salah was the main man for the Egyptians with two goals.
Egypt knew that a win against Djibouti would secure their spot in next year’s World Cup. Two years ago, Egypt won the home match in the group stage 6-0, making this duel seem like a formality beforehand.
Egypt, with Mohamed Salah in the starting lineup, were already up 2-0 within fifteen minutes. Ibrahim Adel made it 1-0 after eight minutes. Star player Salah doubled the score on a pass from Trézéguet.
Egypt remained the better team and had enough chances to extend their lead further before halftime, but goalkeeper Omar Mahamoud limited the damage for Djibouti.
After the break, the Egyptians took their foot off the gas, although they didn’t concede a single shot on goal. Still, Egypt provided a final flourish a few minutes before the end. Salah was played in with a high pass and volleyed the ball beautifully over the goalkeeper who had come out.
Egypt thus qualified for the second time this century for the World Cup, after their earlier participation in 2018. Salah was also present then. In total, it is the fourth time that the country has qualified for the World Cup.