Egypt look to claim World Cup spot against Djibouti

Egypt could punch their ticket to the 2026 Fifa World Cup with a victory over Djibouti at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Djibouti are at the bottom of group A, having collected only one point from their eight previous games. The country’s singular point came from a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia in June 2024.

In September’s round of qualifiers, Djibouti were defeated 6-0 by Burkina Faso before falling 2-0 to Guinea-Bissau.

Although the nation is already out of the race, Djibouti will look to finish the campaign on a high, and with a win.

At the top of group A, Egypt are on the cusp of qualifying for their fourth Fifa World Cup.

The Pharaohs are undefeated in their qualifying campaign, having won six games and drawn two. Most recently, they claimed a 2-0 win over Ethiopia before a goalless draw against Burkina Faso.

Egypt have amassed 20 points and are five points ahead of second-placed Burkina Faso. Should Burkina Faso slip up against Sierra Leone, the Pharaohs will just need a draw against Djibouti to punch their ticket to the World Cup. Egypt could confirm their place at the tournament with a win on Wednesday, regardless of what happens in other games.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Djibouti - Samuel Akinbinu: Samuel Akinbinu has netted two of Djibouti's four goals this qualifying campaign. The forward will have to play a key role if his side is to claim a win before the end of the campaign.

Egypt - Omar Marmoush: Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush provides a dangerous attacking option for the Pharaohs. The 26-year-old has bagged seven goals for his country in 39 caps and will be looking to add to his tally with qualification on the line.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Games: 3

Djibouti wins: 0

Egypt wins: 3

Draws: 0