Here is a look back at the Pharaohs’ previous appearances on football’s biggest stage:
1934: Historic debut
Egypt made history at the 1934 World Cup in Italy, becoming the first Arab and African nation to participate in the global tournament, held for only the second time after its inauguration in 1930.
The regional qualifiers featured just three teams — Egypt, Turkey, and Palestine (then under British mandate).
After Turkey withdrew, Egypt secured qualification by defeating Palestine, earning their place under the guidance of Scottish coach James McCrae.
The Pharaohs’ tournament was short-lived, however, as they were eliminated in the first round following a 4-2 loss to Hungary.
Legendary striker Abdel-Rahman Fawzi scored both goals for Egypt in front of a crowd of 9,000.
Egypt vs Hungry. Photo courtesy of OGOL.
1990: Return after 56-year absence
Italy again provided the setting for Egypt’s return to the World Cup in 1990 — 56 years after their debut — this time under the guidance of celebrated coach Mahmoud El-Gohari.
Egypt were drawn into a qualifying group with Liberia, Malawi and Kenya.
They topped the group with eight points from three wins, two draws, and one defeat, setting up a high-stakes two-legged playoff against regional rivals Algeria.
A goalless first leg in front of 55,000 fans in Constantine set the stage for a dramatic return leg in Cairo.
With 100,000 spectators in attendance at Cairo International Stadium, Hossam Hassan scored the decisive header that sent Egypt back to the World Cup.
In the finals, the Pharaohs opened with a 1-1 draw against 1988 European champions the Netherlands, followed by a goalless stalemate with Ireland.
A 1-0 loss to England ended their campaign at the group stage with two points, finishing bottom of the group.
2018: Salah ends 28-year wait
Between 1990 and 2018, Egypt attempted to qualify for six consecutive World Cups, but fell short each time — despite winning the Africa Cup of Nations four times (1998, 2006, 2008, 2010) during that span.
The failure to reach the World Cup was particularly surprising given the presence of one of Egypt’s most talented generations, including stars such as Ahmed Hassan, Wael Gomaa, Mohamed Aboutrika, Mohamed Zidan, Emad Moteab, Mohamed Barakat, Hosny Abd Rabo and Amr Zaki.
Egypt came closest in 2014, only to suffer a crushing 6-1 defeat to Ghana in Kumasi.
It was Mohamed Salah who finally broke the drought, leading Egypt to their third World Cup appearance.
The Liverpool forward scored both goals in a dramatic 2-1 win over Congo in October 2017 to send the Pharaohs to Russia, ending a 28-year absence.
Salah opened the scoring before Congo equalized in the final minutes.
His tears after the leveler captured the nation's anguish, but he converted a last-gasp penalty to spark wild celebrations across Egypt.
The Pharaohs had earlier advanced past Chad in the preliminary round with a 4-1 aggregate win, before topping a group featuring Uganda, Congo and 2014 nemesis Ghana with 13 points.
However, their return to the global stage was marred by injury and disappointment.
Salah suffered a shoulder injury in the UEFA Champions League final just weeks before the World Cup and missed Egypt’s opener - a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay.
He returned to score in a 3-1 loss to hosts Russia and again in a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia, as Egypt exited the tournament without a point.
The underwhelming performance led to the departure of coach Héctor Cúper, whose conservative style was widely criticized.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: