One of the world’s oldest civilisations will return to the spotlight as Egypt makes its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup.
Egypt’s first match is scheduled for Sunday, 16 June at 0300 hrs SGT against Belgium.
Egypt’s Recent World Cup History
Egypt’s World Cup pedigree stretches back to the earliest years of the tournament, fitting for a nation steeped in ancient history. Egypt became the first African nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, making its debut at the 1934 tournament in Italy.
However, the team has only qualified for three World Cups since 1934 and has yet to record a victory at the tournament. The chances of Egypt not only registering its first World Cup win, but also advancing to the knockout stage in 2026, are higher than at any previous World Cup appearance.
One reason for Egypt’s relative strength compared with its group-stage opponents is the talent of captain, Mohamed Salah. Salah has won two CAF African Footballer of the Year awards and holds numerous national and club records.
Salah will also be playing with the added motivation of securing a new club contract after the World Cup. He is just three goals away from breaking Egypt’s all-time goalscoring record and will have at least three matches in which to do so.
Breaking the record would be especially poetic, as Egypt’s national team is managed by the current record holder himself, Hossam Hassan.
Hossam Hassan has long dreamt of returning to the World Cup after playing in Italy 36 years ago. He now has the opportunity to cement his legacy not only as one of Egypt’s greatest footballers, but also as the architect of a new World Cup campaign.
Strong performances outside the World Cup are also a good indicator of Egypt’s capabilities heading into this year’s tournament. The country holds the distinction of having won the Africa Cup of Nations more than any other nation, with seven titles.
Three Questions with Egypt’s Ambassador
Diplomatic Network (Asia) reached out to Egypt’s Ambassador to Singapore, His Excellency Ahmed Mostafa, for his thoughts on the relationship between football and Egyptian cultural identity. His responses provided fresh insight into the mindset of Egyptian supporters ahead of this World Cup.
Q: Egypt is unique in that it identifies as both Arab and African. Given this dual identity, do the Egyptian national team and its supporters feel they are representing not just Egypt, but also these two wider, interconnected communities at this year’s World Cup?
Egypt indeed carries a unique dual identity, being both Arab and African. The national team, affectionately known as “The Pharaohs”, embodies this dual heritage with pride. At this year’s World Cup, the players and their supporters are conscious that they represent not only Egypt but also the broader Arab and African communities. This dual representation strengthens the sense of unity and solidarity across regions, allowing Egypt to serve as a cultural and sporting bridge between two interconnected worlds.
Q: It has been eight years since Egypt last competed at the FIFA World Cup. During that time, how have football and sports culture evolved within Egypt, and what are the new expectations for the national team now that it is making its return to the tournament?
Over the last eight years since Egypt took part in the World Cup, football culture and its importance within Egypt have grown remarkably. The domestic league has become more competitive, youth academies have expanded, and international exposure has increased through Egyptian players joining prominent clubs abroad. Expectations for the national team are now higher. Supporters hope not only for spirited performances but also for progression beyond the group stage. Egypt’s return to the World Cup is seen as a renewal of ambition, with fans eager to see their team demonstrate resilience, skill, and unity.
Q: Egyptian cultural identity is closely linked to the national team through its nickname, “The Pharaohs”. Beyond this ancient heritage, what other modern or traditional elements of Egyptian culture do you hope fans and players will showcase to the world during this campaign?
While the nickname “The Pharaohs” highlights Egypt’s ancient heritage, the team also reflects modern and traditional aspects of Egyptian culture. The vibrancy of Egyptian music, the passion of its fans, and the values of hospitality and perseverance are all part of the national identity that the players carry with them. Through their campaign, Egypt hopes to showcase a culture that is both timeless and dynamic, one that honours its history while embracing innovation and modernity. This blend of tradition and progress is what Egypt wishes to share with the world during the upcoming tournament.
