Egypt will not wear the seven stars representing their record Africa Cup of Nations titles on their shirts at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after complying with tournament regulations…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Egypt will not display the seven stars symbolising their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles on their jerseys during the FIFA World Cup 2026 after complying with FIFA regulations governing the use of stars at the tournament.
According to ESPN, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) confirmed that the decision was taken in line with FIFA rules, which allow national teams to display stars only for victories in the World Cup itself.
The Pharaohs traditionally wear seven stars above their national team crest to commemorate their record seven AFCON triumphs. However, those stars will be absent during World Cup matches in North America.
EFA Media Officer Mohamed Morad Thabet said FIFA had informed the federation about the requirement several months before the tournament, allowing sufficient time for preparations.
“It was a routine procedure: four months ago, FIFA notified the Football Association regarding the issue of not displaying the Africa Cup of Nations stars on the national team’s jersey during World Cup matches,” Morad said, according to ESPN.
He added that the federation had anticipated the move well in advance.
“It was merely a routine step. The national team had already anticipated this and made the necessary preparations well in advance,” he said.
While football associations generally have flexibility regarding the use of stars on national team kits, FIFA applies stricter regulations during the World Cup. Under those rules, stars can only represent World Cup victories.
The only exception remains Uruguay, which is permitted to display four stars above its crest. Two represent the country’s World Cup titles in 1930 and 1950, while the other two recognise Olympic football gold medals won in 1924 and 1928, when the tournament was organised under FIFA’s authority.
In addition to removing the AFCON stars, Egypt have also modified the colour of the numbers on their shirts following another FIFA request.
Morad explained that the original gold numbering was replaced with white to improve visibility.
“FIFA requested a change in the jerseys’ numbers from gold to white,” he said.
“Puma, the company responsible for the jerseys’ colour scheme, made the switch to white to ensure the numbers were more clearly visible.”
Egypt return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2018, when they were eliminated in the group phase after losing all three matches in Russia. Their only other appearances at the tournament came in 1934 and 1990.
The seven-time African champions are still searching for their first World Cup victory.
Egypt will begin their Group G campaign against Belgium in Seattle on Monday before facing New Zealand in Vancouver six days later. They will conclude the group stage against Iran in Seattle on June 26.
The North Africans will hope their return to the global stage marks a fresh chapter in their World Cup history, even if their famous seven stars will temporarily be absent from their shirts.
