The Egyptian national football team kicked off its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive 1-0 victory over Russia in an international friendly played in Cairo on Thursday.
Mostafa Ziko emerged as the hero for the Pharaohs after scoring the decisive goal in the second half. The forward connected with a well-delivered cross to head home the winner, giving Egypt a confidence-boosting result ahead of the global tournament.
Although Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah was rested after recently rejoining the national team camp, Egypt still produced a solid display against a competitive Russian side. Head coach Hossam Hassan used the match to test several tactical options and squad combinations as the team intensifies its World Cup preparations.
The game also marked the return of defender Mohamed Abdelmoneim after recovering from a long-term injury, adding more strength to Egypt’s defensive lineup. Egypt is expected to face Brazil in another high-profile friendly before beginning its World Cup campaign next month.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland secured a comfortable victory over Qatar in another international friendly played at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Ireland dominated large portions of the match and showcased their attacking quality against the 2022 Asian champions.
The fixture served as an important preparation game for Qatar ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Middle Eastern side hopes to improve on previous international performances. Ireland, despite missing out on World Cup qualification, used the match to evaluate emerging talents and build momentum for upcoming UEFA competitions.
International friendlies continue to provide teams with valuable opportunities to fine-tune tactics, assess player fitness, and strengthen squad chemistry before major tournaments begin. Football fans around the world are now eagerly awaiting the start of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which promises thrilling action across North America.
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