Egypt One Win Away from 2026 World Cup as They Face Burkina Faso

CAIRO, September 9, 2025: Egypt’s national team, led by Hossam Hassan, takes on Burkina Faso tonight at 7:00 PM Cairo time in Ouagadougou in a decisive World Cup qualifier. A win would seal Egypt’s qualification with 22 points, while a draw would delay confirmation until October.

The Pharaohs face key absences due to injuries, including Mohamed Abdelmonem, Emam Ashour, and Hamdi Fathi, forcing Hassan into a reshuffled lineup. Likely starters include Mohamed El-Shenawy in goal, Salah, Marmoush, and Mostafa Mohamed in attack, with tactical options between a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 setup.

Burkina Faso, unbeaten at home since 2021 and supported by a large crowd, will rely on star forwards Bertrand and Lassina Traoré to challenge Egypt’s defense. Despite never beating Egypt in official matches, coach Brama Traoré vowed to “fight for victory and break the curse.”

With only two rounds left after tonight’s match, Egypt hopes to secure early qualification and ease pressure in the final stages, while Burkina Faso sees this as a last chance to revive their World Cup dream.