Salah Shines as Egypt Qualify for 2026 World Cup; Ghana on the Brink

Egypt sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over Djibouti, while Ghana are on the verge of booking their spot in the expanded tournament. The Pharaohs, already favorites to top Group A, wrapped up qualification with a game to spare, showcasing their continental pedigree and the enduring brilliance of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.

Playing at a neutral venue in Casablanca, Morocco, Egypt needed just one victory from their final two matches to confirm top spot. They started in perfect fashion, taking the lead in just the eighth minute when Ibrahim Adel nodded home a precise cross from Zizo. Less than six minutes later, Salah extended the advantage, finishing a well-timed through ball from Trezeguet with his trademark composure.

Despite scrutiny over his recent club form, Salah demonstrated why he remains one of the world’s top forwards. He nearly provided a third goal before halftime, delivering a dangerous cross that Mostafa Mohamed saw cannon off the upright. He eventually sealed the win late in the game with a sublime first-time lob inside the box, capping a 3-0 victory that confirmed Egypt as the third African nation to qualify for next year’s tournament, joining Morocco and Tunisia.

“We are delighted to secure qualification with a game to spare. Salah led by example and showed the quality that makes him world-class,” said Egypt captain and coach Hossam Hassan.

Historical Context for Egypt

Egypt have a storied history in African football, boasting a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles. However, translating continental success to World Cup qualification has historically been a challenge. Prior to this campaign, the Pharaohs had appeared in only three World Cups—in 1934, 1990, and 2018—making this latest qualification a significant milestone for Hassan’s squad.

In the race for second place in Group A, Burkina Faso claimed the runner-up spot after Mohamed Zougrana’s decisive strike helped them overcome Sierra Leone. The Stallions remain in contention for one of Africa’s four best-placed runners-up spots, which could give them access to the continental play-offs and another opportunity to reach the World Cup finals.

Ghana’s Dominant Performance

Ghana also moved closer to qualification after an emphatic 5-0 victory against Central African Republic, powered by another standout performance from Jordan Ayew. Mohammed Salisu opened the scoring with a powerful header from a Mohammed Kudus corner, setting the tone for the Black Stars.

Ayew orchestrated the rest of the goals, first assisting Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku before finishing off a superb first-time volley into the bottom corner in the 71st minute. Kamaldeen Sulemana added the fifth to extend Ghana’s lead and keep them three points clear at the top of Group I.

“We’re focused and determined. We control our destiny and know what we need to do to secure qualification,” Ayew said after the match.

Their main rivals, Madagascar, held off Comoros with a 2-1 away victory, keeping their World Cup dreams alive while ending Comoros’ hopes. Clement Couturier opened the scoring for Madagascar, and a powerful header from El Hadary Raheriniaina in the 73rd minute doubled their lead. Comoros managed a late goal from Rafiki Said, but pitch conditions and a last-minute red card for their goalkeeper Salim Ben Boina prevented a potential dramatic finish.

Ghana host Comoros in their final group fixture on Sunday, while Madagascar travels to Mali. With just a point required, the Black Stars are on the verge of World Cup qualification, though goal difference could still play a factor if they were to lose. Madagascar faces a difficult challenge, needing not only a win but also a substantial goal swing to overtake Ghana at the top.

Africa’s Road to the 2026 World Cup

With the expanded 48-team World Cup format, Africa has more spots than ever before, increasing the stakes for qualifiers. Algeria can become the next nation to guarantee their place if they overcome Somalia in Group G, leaving a handful of spots for the remaining contenders. Cape Verde missed a crucial opportunity for a first-ever finals appearance after a 3-3 draw with Libya, while Niger and Zambia battle for second place in Group E behind Morocco.

The African qualifiers continue to showcase a mix of established powers and emerging sides, with traditional heavyweights like Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, and Tunisia looking to assert dominance, while underdog nations aim to capitalize on the expanded tournament structure. The intensity and competitiveness of these fixtures highlight Africa’s growing depth in football talent.

Looking Ahead

As Egypt prepares for the World Cup, much will depend on the form of key players like Salah, Trezeguet, and rising talents from the domestic league. Ghana, meanwhile, will aim to secure their qualification in the final group match and build momentum ahead of next year’s tournament. The drama in African qualifying demonstrates the passion, skill, and unpredictability that make the continent’s football so compelling.

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