Stephen Azeyi
Mohamed Salah delivered a masterclass under the lights in Casablanca, firing home a brace to propel Egypt into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 rout of Djibouti on Wednesday night. The Liverpool talisman’s clinical strikes in the 22nd and 67th minutes, capped by Ahmed Adel’s tidy finish five minutes later, sealed top spot in African qualifying Group A and extended Egypt’s unbeaten run to a flawless eight matches.
At 33, Salah showed no signs of fading, weaving through Djibouti’s defense with the poise that’s made him Africa’s most decorated player. His first goal—a low drive from the edge of the box—ripped into the bottom corner after a sharp one-two with Trezeguet, while the second came from a trademark solo run, shrugging off two markers before chipping the keeper. “This is for every Egyptian who dreams big,” Salah said post-match, his voice cracking with emotion as fireworks lit up the stadium. Egypt’s coach, Rui Vitoria, hailed his skipper as “the heartbeat of this team,” crediting Salah’s 12 goals and five assists across the campaign for turning potential into certainty.
The Pharaohs now join Morocco and Senegal as the third African side locked in for the expanded 48-team tournament across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where they’ll chase a first title since 2018’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Djibouti, ranked 151st globally, fought gamely but couldn’t breach Egypt’s backline, led by the evergreen Mohamed El Shenawy. With 20 points from a possible 24, Egypt’s qualification math was simple: win, and they’re in. Salah made sure it wasn’t even close.
Back at Anfield, this cameo will ease concerns over Salah’s international workload amid Liverpool’s Premier League grind. Yet for Egypt, it’s redemption after missing out on Qatar 2022—Salah’s last World Cup heartbreak. As the dust settles, eyes turn to the draw in December, where the seven-time Africa Cup winners could face stars like Mbappé or Messi in a group of death.
Ghana on the Brink: The Black Stars need just a point against Niger to punch their 2026 ticket, with Thomas Partey pulling strings in midfield after a shaky start to qualifiers.
Cape Verde’s Historic Push: The Blue Sharks sit second in Group L, one win from their first-ever World Cup berth—Jota’s brace last week has the island nation dreaming big.
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