Egypt

Egypt's Pharaohs are the most decorated national team in Africa Cup of Nations history, having lifted the trophy a record seven times, and were the first African side to appear at the FIFA World Cup when they competed in the 1934 tournament in Italy. Led by Mohamed Salah, one of the world's best players, Egypt return to the 2026 World Cup looking to end a long wait for global glory.

Egypt has the longest football pedigree on the African continent. The team was formed to compete at the 1920 Olympics in Antwerp and became the first African and Arab nation to participate in a FIFA World Cup, qualifying for the 1934 edition in Italy. That early ambition was matched by continental dominance: Egypt won the inaugural Africa Cup of Nations in 1957 and again in 1959, setting a standard of excellence that would define their regional identity for decades.

After a relative lull in the 1960s and 1970s, Egypt reclaimed continental supremacy with AFCON triumphs in 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010 — an unprecedented run that included three consecutive titles. The 2006–2010 generation, anchored by record cap-holder Ahmed Hassan and prolific striker Hossam Hassan (whose 69 international goals remain an all-time national record), is widely regarded as the finest Egypt have produced.

The years since 2010 brought heartbreak: consecutive AFCON final defeats in 2017 and 2021, the latter lost to Senegal on penalties. The rise of Mohamed Salah, however, reignited global interest in Egyptian football, with Salah's exploits helping Egypt qualify for the 2018 World Cup — their first appearance since 1990 — and again for 2026. Under head coach Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs enter the tournament ranked 29th in the world.