Egypt sealed automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Djibouti 3-0 on Wednesday evening.
The win, Egypt’s seventh in nine qualifiers, ensured the Pharaohs’ spot at the tournament with one match to spare in Group A.
Egypt started strongly and had opened the scoring in the 7th minute when Mostafa Mohamed found the net, but the goal was ruled out as offside.
Just a minute later, the breakthrough arrived. Ahmed Sayed Zizo delivered a cross from the right for Ibrahim Adel, who powered home a header to make it 1-0.
In the 14th minute, Mahmoud Trezeguet played Salah through on goal, and the skipper finished calmly with a low strike to double Egypt’s lead. The goal saw Salah become the all-time top scorer in African World Cup qualifying, reaching 19 goals, surpassing Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Moumouni Dagano, and Islam Slimani (all on 18).
Salah continued to threaten the Djibouti back line, striking the crossbar late in the first half and nearly setting up Mostafa Mohamed for a third before the break.
Egypt remained in control after halftime, with Mostafa Mohamed hitting the post in the 59th minute. Substitute goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir later replaced Mohamed El Shenawy, who went off injured.
Salah added his second of the night in the 82nd minute, chipping the goalkeeper with a spectacular lob to seal a 3-0 victory.
The result confirmed Egypt’s qualification for the World Cup for the fourth time in their history and their first under head coach Hossam Hassan, who became only the second Egyptian manager to lead the national team to the tournament after Mahmoud El Gohary.
Egypt now sit top of Group A with 23 points and will host Guinea-Bissau in their final qualifier on Sunday at Cairo International Stadium, a match that will now be a formality.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.