By the Malaab Al-An editorial team
Few national teams carry as much pioneering symbolism at the World Cup as Egypt, the first African and Arab nation ever to play in the tournament. Here is their story, edition by edition.
1934 — African and Arab pioneers
At Italy 1934, Egypt became the first African/Arab side at a World Cup. In a single knockout match they lost 4-2 to Hungary, with both goals from Abdulrahman Fawzi. That generation featured pioneers such as Mahmoud Mokhtar El-Tetsh, Mustafa Mansour and Mohamed Latif.
1990 — the long-awaited return
After a 56-year absence, Egypt returned at Italy 1990, earning a historic 1-1 draw with the Netherlands (their first-ever World Cup point) and a draw with Ireland before a narrow 0-1 loss to England.
2018 — Salah and a 28-year wait
Egypt came back at Russia 2018 led by Mohamed Salah, topping their qualifying group, but lost all three games. Salah did score Egypt's first World Cup goal in 28 years.
2026 — the historic breakthrough
Under coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt qualified unbeaten (8 wins, 2 draws), beat New Zealand for a first-ever World Cup win, and reached the round of 32 for the first time in their history — led by Salah, Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet.
At Malaab Al-An we chronicle the history of tournaments and national teams — because football is memory before it is a result.