In a weekend that solidified the growing strength of North African football, Egypt and Algeria became the latest powers from the region to secure their places in the expanded 2026 World Cup, joining previously qualified neighbors Tunisia and Morocco in a display of continental dominance.
The qualification wave, achieved with games to spare, underscores a shift in African football and sets the stage for a potentially historic tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Salah Seals the Deal for the Pharaohs
In a match relocated to the neutral ground of Casablanca, Mohamed Salah silenced any murmurs about his club form with a commanding performance for his country. The Egyptian captain scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Djibouti, taking his personal tally to nine goals in the qualifying campaign and officially booking Egypt’s ticket to the World Cup.
The win ensured the Pharaohs finished at the summit of their group, continuing their recovery from a period of transition and re-establishing themselves as a force on the international stage. For Salah, a player whose legacy is often debated in the context of major tournaments, this early qualification marks a decisive step toward a third World Cup appearance.
Algeria Rides a Wave of Relief
Elsewhere, a sense of palpable relief washed over Algerian football as the Desert Foxes dispatched Somalia 3-0, a result that guaranteed their passage. Goals from Mohamed Amoura and veteran star Riyad Mahrez sealed a victory that had begun to feel imperative after a string of surprising draws against lower-ranked opponents like Sudan, Niger, and Guinea.
The qualification represents a return to the global stage for a talented Algerian squad that has sometimes struggled to convert its potential into consistent results. Their success, coupled with Egypt’s, means four of Africa’s powerhouse nations from the Maghreb region will be present in 2026, promising a formidable contingent.
The Gulf’s Tightening Race
While North Africa celebrated, the race for automatic qualification intensified in Asia. Saudi Arabia, led by the goals of rising star Firas Al-Buraikan, edged Indonesia 3-2 in a thrilling match in Riyadh. Al-Buraikan’s brace helped the Green Falcons come from behind, moving them to the brink of qualification.
“One more step to go. God willing, we’ll make it happen,” Al-Buraikan said, looking ahead to a decisive match against Iraq, where a victory would secure their spot.
In a parallel group, a tense stalemate between Qatar and Oman ended 0-0, a result that keeps both teams’ dreams alive. For Oman, a nation that has never qualified for a World Cup, the final matchday presents a historic opportunity. Their coach, the experienced Carlos Queiroz, acknowledged the high stakes. “A draw is the best result for both teams today. A loss would have hurt our chances,” Queiroz said. “We’ll prepare well to keep our World Cup dream alive.”
The coming days will determine if the Gulf can match North Africa’s perfect qualifying record, as the long road to 2026 enters its final, decisive stretches.
