Egypt to Play 2026 World Cup Without AFCON Stars on Jersey
Published June 14, 2026
Egypt's national football team will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup without the seven stars on their jersey that denote their Africa Cup of Nations triumphs, as FIFA regulations mandate the removal of non-World Cup championship symbols during the tournament.
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The Egyptian national football team is set to take the field at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with a notable change to their iconic jersey. FIFA has instructed the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to remove the seven stars that traditionally sit above the team crest, which signify their record-breaking Africa Cup of Nations titles, in adherence to tournament kit regulations.
These stars represent Egypt's unparalleled success in the AFCON, where they hold the record for the most championships. However, FIFA's rules for the World Cup stipulate that only stars commemorating past World Cup victories are permitted to be displayed on national team kits during the global tournament. This directive also includes a requirement to change the color of squad numbers from gold to a clearer white for better visibility, according to reports.
The EFA has confirmed the changes, indicating that the decision was not unexpected and had been communicated by FIFA well in advance of the tournament. Officials from the Egyptian Football Association stated that this was a routine notification received months ago, making the adjustment a prepared step rather than a last-minute surprise. As one of the 48 nations vying for the coveted trophy, Egypt is grouped with Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran for the initial stages of the competition, which kicks off in June 2026.