Egypt Stands Tall at World Cup 2026: Mohamed Salah's Mission to Break a Century-Old Curse Without a Win

SATUMEDIA.ID – The Egyptian national team begins their journey at the 2026 World Cup with a great challenge. The Pharaohs are set to face one of Europe's strongest powers, Belgium, in their opening match in Group G on Tuesday (16/6/2026) at 02.00 WIB at Lumen Field in Seattle. The stadium, which can accommodate over 68,000 spectators, will be the first witness to Egypt's historic quest for a new achievement in the world of soccer.

Scheduled alongside Belgium in the group are Iran and New Zealand, making Grup G a competitive match. Although Belgium is the group's top contender, the three other teams, including Egypt, still have a chance to secure a spot in the next round. This is especially true given Egypt's impressive performance in the qualifying phase.

The 2026 World Cup marks Egypt's fourth appearance in the tournament's history. They previously participated in the 1934, 1990, and 2018 editions. However, there's a haunting stat that continues to plague the African nation: they have yet to secure a single win in the World Cup's final round.

Out of the seven matches they've played across three different tournaments, Egypt hasn't managed to record a single victory. This makes the 2026 World Cup not just about qualifying from the group stage but also an opportunity for the team to finally end their century-long wait for a World Cup win.

Mesir comes to North America with confidence, having impressed in the qualifying phase with an unbeaten record. They topped Group A with an impressive 26 points from 10 matches, notching eight wins, two draws, and no losses. Their defensive line was near flawless throughout, conceding only two goals, while their attacking squad scored 20 goals. These statistics showcase Egypt as a team that's difficult to beat and possesses a great balance between defense and offense.

Under the leadership of Hossam Hassan, who took the reins in February 2024, Egypt remains reliant on experienced players who have competed in top European leagues. The team's star player, Mohamed Salah, is a legendary figure in Egyptian football and remains the team's backbone. His experience at the elite level is expected to give Egypt an edge in crucial encounters.

Salah is joined by Omar Marmoush, who currently plays for Manchester City. Although his performance this season has been less productive, Marmoush has often shown a different face when wearing the national team's jersey. His pace, creativity, and ability to capitalize on space make him a vital asset in Egypt's attack.

Interestingly, Egypt's squad is comprised of mostly domestic league players. While they may not be as popular as Belgium's players individually, this composition has given Egypt a strong team chemistry and a deeper understanding of their tactics.

Hossam Hassan has built Egypt as a difficult team to break down. The Pharaohs employ a pragmatic approach, prioritizing a well-organized defense, a low block, and swift transitions when regaining possession.

They rarely dominate possession, but they're highly effective in capitalizing on the space left by their opponents. Their attacks often come from both flanks, especially when the ball is successfully fed to Salah or Marmoush.

This style of play often poses a threat to larger teams that dominate possession. With their high discipline and strong teamwork, Egypt has the potential to challenge anyone in Group G.

Egypt's primary objective at the 2026 World Cup is clear: to finally qualify from the group stage for the first time in history. With Salah's experience, Egypt's solid defense, and their strong qualifying campaign, this ambition doesn't seem impossible.

The match against Belgium will be Egypt's first test and a gauge of their readiness to compete at the highest level. If they can secure a positive result, their confidence could surge, making them a more formidable opponent against Iran and New Zealand.

After decades of waiting and three failed attempts to leave a lasting mark on the World Cup, Egypt is now poised for a new beginning. The 2026 World Cup could be the stage for Egypt to finally break their curse and write their most memorable chapter in football history.

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