Egypt Women spark jersey controversy with Seven-Star Kit ahead of WAFCON opener
The Egypt women's national team have generated significant debate ahead of their opening Women's Africa Cup of Nations WAFCON match against Zambia on Tuesday after appearing in jerseys bearing seven stars.
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The seven star debate
The controversy emerged after a promotional video published by the Confederation of African Football CAF on its dedicated women's football channels showed the Egyptian squad wearing the starred kit in Morocco.
The seven stars positioned above the Egyptian Football Association crest represent the record number of Africa Cup of Nations titles won by the nation's men's team. In contrast, the women's side have never won the continental trophy.
They are making only their third historical appearance at the WAFCON tournament and have never previously progressed past the first round, prompting questions over the appropriateness of wearing the decorated crest.
A familiar kit issue
This is not the first time the Egyptian jersey's stars have caused administrative complications this year.
The men's team wore the exact same design, albeit with different coloured squad numbers, during a pre tournament friendly against Brazil.
However, FIFA formally requested that the Egypt national team remove the continental stars from their kit during the recent 2026 World Cup held in the United States, Canada and Mexico as global regulations restrict such stars exclusively to previous World Cup victories.
What happens next?
Egypt will begin their WAFCON campaign against Zambia on Tuesday aiming to secure their first ever progression from the group stage. It remains to be seen whether the team will continue to wear the 7 star jerseys during the official tournament matches or if an alternative unstarred kit will be mandated by officials before kick off.
Africa
13 July 2026
World Cup 2026
11 July 2026
