FIFA Orders Egypt to Remove AFCON Stars from 2026 World Cup Jersey
Published June 13, 2026
FIFA has instructed the Egyptian national team to remove the seven stars on their 2026 World Cup jerseys, which represent their Africa Cup of Nations titles, as per regulations reserving such symbols for World Cup winners.
Published — local time around the world
The Egyptian national football team faces an unexpected kit alteration ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. World football's governing body, FIFA, has issued a directive to the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), mandating the removal of the seven stars currently displayed above the team crest on their World Cup jerseys. This ruling means the Pharaohs' kit manufacturer, Puma, must make immediate changes before Egypt begins its Group G campaign against Belgium in the tournament hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The stars are a significant part of Egypt's footballing identity, each symbolizing one of their record-breaking seven Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumphs. These victories span from 1957 to 2010, cementing Egypt's status as the most successful nation in African football history. However, FIFA's stringent equipment regulations for its flagship event draw a clear distinction regarding such symbols.
According to official uniform guidelines for the FIFA World Cup, stars placed above a national team's badge are exclusively reserved for countries that have previously lifted the coveted global trophy. As Egypt has not yet won a World Cup, they are prohibited from displaying their continental honors in this manner on the pitch. This enforcement highlights FIFA's strict adherence to its emblem protocols as the 48-team tournament approaches in June and July 2026.