Salah fires Egypt to 2026 World Cup as Ghana edge closer

Mohamed Salah scored twice as Egypt secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Djibouti in Casablanca. 

The result means the Pharaohs top Group A with one match to spare, becoming the third African nation to book their ticket to the expanded 48-team finals.

The Egyptians got off to a flying start when Ibrahim Adel headed home from Zizo’s cross in the eighth minute, before Liverpool forward Salah doubled the lead six minutes later after connecting with Trézéguet’s through ball. 

Despite missing a few chances to extend the advantage, Salah remained a constant threat and later sealed the win with a composed lob in the 84th minute.

The victory continues Egypt’s strong campaign under coach Hossam Hassan, who has restored confidence to a side that previously struggled on the world stage. 

Egypt, record seven-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, have now qualified for their fourth World Cup appearance, following participations in 1934, 1990, and 2018.

Elsewhere in the group, Burkina Faso edged Sierra Leone 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Mohamed Zougrana, keeping their hopes alive of reaching the continental play-offs as one of the best runners-up.

In Group I, Ghana moved closer to qualification after a resounding 5-0 victory over the Central African Republic, inspired by Jordan Ayew. 

Goals from Mohammed Salisu, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana put the Black Stars within a point of sealing their place at the finals.

Meanwhile, Madagascar kept their slim qualification hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Comoros in rain-soaked conditions in Abidjan. 

Despite the result, Ghana remain firm favourites to progress, needing only a draw in their final fixture at home to Comoros to guarantee a return to world football’s biggest stage.

More African qualifiers are scheduled for Thursday and Friday as the roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to get filled.