Egypt

Egypt — the Pharaohs — are drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. With Mohamed Salah leading the attack, Egypt are one of the most dangerous second-seeded teams in the tournament.

Belgium are the group favorites but vulnerable in transition. Iran are organized and physical. New Zealand are the underdogs. Egypt have a realistic path to finishing first or second in the group.

Why this group matters: Egypt's 2018 World Cup return after 28 years was marred by Salah's shoulder injury (sustained in the Champions League Final weeks before the tournament). In 2026, with a fully fit Salah at 34, Egypt get the World Cup campaign he — and they — deserve.

Belgium on Matchday 1 is the statement match. New Zealand on Matchday 2 in Vancouver should be a winnable assignment. Iran on Matchday 3 in Seattle is critical for advancement.

Egypt have appeared in 3 FIFA World Cups:

• 1934: Egypt's debut, and only the second African nation to compete at a World Cup. They lost to Hungary 4-2 in the first round.
• 1990: Egypt returned after 56 years but were eliminated in the group stage with two draws (against Ireland and Netherlands) and a loss to England.
• 2018: Egypt qualified for the first time in 28 years, powered by Salah's goals. But Salah's shoulder injury in the Champions League Final limited his effectiveness, and Egypt lost all three group matches (to Uruguay, Russia, and Saudi Arabia).
• AFCON dominance: Egypt are the most successful team in Africa Cup of Nations history with 7 titles — more than any other nation. But their World Cup record is frustratingly poor.

The gap between Egypt's continental success and their World Cup struggles is one of the great puzzles of African football. 2026, with a fully fit Salah, is the chance to change that narrative.

• Salah as the central attacking figure with freedom to drift and create
• Compact defensive shape that is hard to break down
• Quick transitions through Salah and Marmoush's pace
• Set-piece specialization — Egypt are dangerous from dead balls
• Midfield discipline that protects the back four

The tactical plan is straightforward: defend well, give Salah the ball in dangerous positions, and trust his world-class ability to produce moments of magic. Against Belgium, this counter-attacking approach could be devastatingly effective.

Egyptian football culture is among the most passionate and intense on the planet. Football is not just a sport in Egypt — it is the nation's primary cultural outlet.

• 110 million fans: Egypt's massive population makes them one of the largest football fan bases in the world. When Egypt play, the entire nation watches.
• Ultras culture: Egyptian football has one of the most intense ultras cultures globally, with organized fan groups that create spectacular choreography and deafening noise.
• Salah worship: Mohamed Salah is more than a footballer in Egypt — he is a national hero. His image is everywhere, and his performances carry the emotional weight of an entire nation.
• Diaspora in the US: Egyptian-American communities in New York, New Jersey, and other major cities will provide strong support at Miami matches.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Mohamed Salah's farewell World Cup is appointment television. One of the most beloved players in Premier League history, playing his final international tournament, with an entire nation of 110 million people behind him. The Belgium-Egypt opener is one of the best group-stage matches of the tournament. Do not miss it.

Egypt should advance from Group G, likely as the second-place team behind Belgium. Beating Iran and New Zealand while competing with Belgium gives them a clear path.

Prediction: Round of 16. Egypt will advance through the Round of 32 and face a strong opponent in the Round of 16. If Salah is at his best, Egypt can beat anyone in a single match. A quarterfinal is possible but would likely require Salah to produce a career-defining tournament performance.