Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah continued his impressive run in the World Cup qualifiers by scoring twice in Egypt’s 3-0 victory over Djibouti on Wednesday in Casablanca. The win secured Egypt’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their fifth appearance in the tournament’s history.
The 33-year-old Salah has now scored nine goals during a qualifying campaign that has stretched over two years. Egypt’s triumph gives them an unassailable five-point lead over Burkina Faso in Group A, ensuring their early qualification with one round of matches still to be played.
While Salah’s club form with Liverpool has seen a noticeable dip this season — scoring just three goals in nine appearances across all competitions — his performances for the national team remain elite. Against Djibouti, Salah was instrumental once again.
After Ibrahim Adel opened the scoring in the 8th minute, Salah found the net just six minutes later to double Egypt’s lead. He then sealed the victory with another goal in the 84th minute, showing his signature composure and sharpness in front of goal.
Salah’s brace adds to his total of nine goals in the current qualifying campaign, underlining his importance to Egypt’s ambitions on the world stage.
Salah’s World Cup Journey with Egypt
This marks Egypt’s fifth qualification for the World Cup and their second consecutive appearance after playing in the 2018 edition in Russia. Despite being one of Africa’s most successful teams in the Africa Cup of Nations — with a record seven continental titles — World Cup success has eluded the Pharaohs.
Salah, who made his World Cup debut in 2018, will now look to make a deeper impact in 2026 as he leads a promising Egyptian side into the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Salah was in scintillating form for Liverpool last season, winning the Premier League Golden Boot with 29 goals and helping the Reds to a record-equalling 20th league title. However, his output has dipped in the current season, with injuries and tactical shifts at Liverpool possibly contributing to the decline.
Yet, when donning the Egyptian jersey, Salah continues to shine. His leadership, goal-scoring prowess, and ability to rise in crucial moments remain unmatched.
Ghana Dominant in Group I
Elsewhere in the African qualifiers, Ghana delivered a commanding performance with a 5-0 win over the Central African Republic in Meknes. Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was on the scoresheet, alongside Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, Jordan Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Ghana now needs just a draw in their final match against Comoros to confirm qualification, holding a strong goal difference advantage over second-placed Madagascar.
Cape Verde came from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Libya in Tripoli. The result leaves them needing just a win over Eswatini in their final game to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in history.
Despite a disastrous start that included a first-minute own goal from Roberto Lopes, Cape Verde battled back with goals from Telmo Arcanjo, Sidny Cabral, and Willy Semedo.
Cameroon kept their hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Mauritius, thanks to goals from Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu and Bryan Mbeumo. Cameroon must now beat Angola in Yaounde and hope Cape Verde slips up to top Group D. Otherwise, they’ll aim to be one of the four best runners-up to reach the African playoffs.
With Salah leading the way, Egypt becomes the first African team to confirm their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As one of the continent’s most recognizable footballers, Salah’s presence in North America next summer will be a massive boost for both Egyptian fans and African football as a whole.
At 33, this could be Salah’s last appearance at a World Cup — making it a potentially defining moment in his international career. If his qualifying performances are any indication, Salah remains a formidable force on the global stage.
Source- EWN
