Egyptian football fans have plenty to celebrate as their national team, the Pharaohs, clinched qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over Djibouti in Casablanca. The result, achieved on October 9, 2025, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, sent waves of jubilation across the country and confirmed Egypt’s place atop their qualifying group with an unassailable 23 points. Burkina Faso, sitting second with 18 points, simply can’t catch up, sealing Egypt’s ticket to the global stage in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s talisman and Liverpool’s star forward, was at the heart of the action, netting two crucial goals in the win against Djibouti. Salah’s performance not only guaranteed Egypt’s qualification but also brought his tally in the African qualifying campaign to an impressive nine goals. With this, he firmly established himself as one of the region’s most influential players. According to MENA Sports Wrap, "Mo Salah fired Egypt into the 2026 World Cup with a decisive performance against Djibouti."
The Pharaohs’ journey through qualification has been nothing short of dominant. Their latest triumph in Casablanca was a fitting culmination of a campaign marked by resilience, attacking flair, and defensive solidity. The team’s ability to consistently deliver under pressure has been a testament to the leadership of head coach Hossam Hassan, who has made several bold decisions throughout the campaign—including his latest call to rest Salah for the upcoming match against Guinea Bissau.
With Egypt’s World Cup berth secured, Hossam Hassan has opted to give Salah a well-deserved break ahead of Sunday’s group finale at Cairo International Stadium. The 33-year-old winger, who has racked up 838 minutes in 10 matches for Liverpool this season, will remain with the national squad to celebrate their achievement but will not feature in the clash against Guinea Bissau. This move comes as a relief for Liverpool, who are keen to see their star return to Merseyside fresh ahead of a crucial Premier League showdown with Manchester United on October 19, 2025.
"Mo Salah will be rested for Egypt’s game vs Guinea-Bissau. He’ll stay with the squad to celebrate World Cup qualification," reported KingFut.com. Salah’s rest is both a strategic and symbolic gesture, allowing him to recharge after a demanding club and international schedule while joining his teammates in commemorating a significant milestone for Egyptian football.
Egypt’s success is part of a broader story unfolding across the Middle East and North Africa, where several teams are making headlines in the race to the 2026 World Cup. Algeria, another regional powerhouse, also secured qualification after a comfortable 3-0 win over Somalia. Mohamed Amoura struck twice, with Riyad Mahrez adding a third, to ensure Algeria’s passage to the finals. This comes despite recent stumbles in their campaign, which included draws against Sudan, Niger, and Guinea. As reported, "Algeria, once a powerhouse in North African football, have stumbled in recent games with draws against Sudan, Niger and Guinea."
Elsewhere, Tunisia and Morocco have also punched their tickets to the 2026 tournament, joining Egypt and Algeria in representing North Africa on football’s grandest stage. The expanded World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, promises to be a showcase for African talent, with the continent’s top teams eager to leave their mark.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, moved closer to securing their own spot in the finals after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Indonesia in Riyadh. Firas Al-Buraikan was the hero, netting two vital goals to overturn a deficit and keep the Green Falcons’ hopes alive. With just three points needed in their next game against Iraq, Saudi Arabia’s focus remains razor-sharp. "One more step to go. God willing, we’ll make it happen," Al-Buraikan said, underlining the team’s determination.
Qatar and Oman are locked in their own battle for World Cup qualification. The two sides played out a 0-0 draw on October 8, 2025, leaving Oman on the cusp of a historic first-ever appearance at the finals. Their upcoming clash with the UAE is now a must-win, with coach Carlos Queiroz emphasizing the importance of preparation: "A draw is the best result for both teams today. A loss would have hurt our chances of World Cup qualification. We don’t have much time before facing the UAE, but we’ll prepare well to keep our World Cup dream alive."
While football dominated headlines, the week in sports also saw remarkable achievements beyond the pitch. In Istanbul, Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec captured gold at the ESC European Champions League, thrilling the home crowd with his trademark composure and casual style. Dikec, often seen competing with his hand in his pocket and without specialized gear, has become a viral sensation for his cool demeanor. "Representing my country in front of a home crowd, with the tournament being held in Istanbul for the first time, is a great honour. Winning gold here makes me very happy," Dikec told media. His latest triumph adds to Turkey’s growing reputation in international shooting, with the national team collecting three golds, one silver, and one bronze at the championship.
Turkish Shooting Federation President Murat Kocakaya praised the achievements, stating, "We are celebrating the grit, discipline and unwavering belief of our athletes. These victories reflect the growth of Turkish shooting and the promise of tomorrow’s champions." Dikec and his teammates are now setting their sights on the upcoming World Championships in Cairo, aiming to build on their recent success.
Off the field, football megastar Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines of his own by becoming the first footballer to be officially named a billionaire. According to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index, Ronaldo’s fortune now stands at an eye-watering $1.4 billion, propelled by his blockbuster contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr signed in June 2025. The Portuguese striker’s deal, reportedly worth over $400 million, cements his status as the highest-paid player in football history. "I still have a passion for this. I know I don’t have many years left to play, but the few I have left, I have to enjoy to the fullest," Ronaldo said at the Portugal Football Globes gala.
His financial success places him in the rarefied company of sporting legends such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Roger Federer. While Lionel Messi, his long-time rival, has amassed more than $600 million in pre-tax salary, he has yet to cross the billion-dollar threshold.
As the dust settles on a week of milestones and memorable moments, Egypt’s footballers stand tall, ready to take on the world in 2026. With Mo Salah leading the charge and a new generation of talent emerging, the Pharaohs’ journey is far from over. For now, the celebrations continue in Cairo and beyond, as fans look ahead to what promises to be an unforgettable World Cup adventure.