2026 World Cup: Egypt still chasing a first victory

Egypt will have to wait a little longer to secure their first ever win in a World Cup finals. Facing Belgium on Monday, June 15, in their Group G opener of the 2026 World Cup, the Pharaohs were held to a draw (1-1), extending a rather unenviable statistic in the tournament's history.

Egypt are making their fourth appearance at the World Cup finals after featuring in 1934, 1990, and 2018, but they have yet to register a single victory in the tournament. The draw against the Red Devils does give the Egyptian side a valuable point, but it does not end a wait that has now stretched for nearly a century.

Despite notable progress from the North African squad over the years, their victory tally remains stuck at zero. With eight matches played in the World Cup without a win, Egypt remains one of the most experienced African nations never to have tasted victory on football’s grandest stage.

This result, however, keeps the Pharaohs’ qualification hopes alive in a group that also includes New Zealand and Iran. The next fixtures will offer Mohamed Salah’s team another chance to make history.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.