Egypt sealed a narrow 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau to close out top of Group A in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, but the victory stirred debate rather than celebration among supporters. With Mohamed Salah rested for the game, fans turned their attention to the team’s blunt attack and lack of cutting edge in front of goal, Softfootball reports.
Even though Egypt’s unbeaten run continues after securing qualification against Dijibouti last week, the overall performance today left many unimpressed. The Pharaohs’ struggle to convert possession into dominance has become a recurring theme, and online reactions reflected both frustration and cautious optimism heading into World Cup proper.
Fans Lose Patience with Mostafa Mohamed
alaa Kamal said;
Mostafa is unbelievably bad with Egypt, we need a striker ASAP, maybe try a young striker or find dual citizen one, or anything
Omar Salem added to this saying;
Yeah idk man Mostafa had basically 2 full games and didn’t do much. Faisal isn’t better ofc, but a 442 or 352 with Salah and Marmoush at ST might be the move. Really worried we will get embarrassed in AFCON like last time
Concerns Over Egypt’s Overreliance on Star Players
pakachi lammented;
Egypt’s back-to-back World Cup qualifications are impressive, but their heavy reliance on star players like Salah risks masking deeper team weaknesses that could hinder long-term success.
Fans Celebrate Salah’s Legacy after qualification
Jaydene is hyped for Salah’s return to football’s biggest competition, he said;
salah finally getting the world cup redemption arc he deserves
jumabet also added providing the Liverpool star stats for Egypt, he stated;
Salah unstoppable in World Cup qualifiers! 20 goals in 29 games, passing legends like Drogba. Egypt back in the World Cup after 8 years. King Mo writing history for African football.
Interestingly after the game, Everton via it official X handle updated the toffees faanbase on their striker’s outing for Guinea bissau against Egypt. They posted:
Pride in Qualification, But Structural Issues Persist
Ahmed askaar stated that;
In the final day of the #WCQ2026. Egypt at the first place of Group A and for the first time undefeated through the qualifiers.
Egypt’s steady progress have secured World Cup qualification, but fan confidence remains fragile. With Salah’s reduced involvement ultimately leading to lack of attacking alternatives, questions over depth, creativity, and tactical flexibility continue to shadow Hossam Hassan’s side.
Egypt football via its official X handle, updated the fans of the pharoahs on the full time result, they posted;
The Pharaohs are winning and for now will surely enjoy the feeling that comes with qualifying for football biggest competition, but many supporters fear that cracks beneath the surface of the team could resurface when it matters most.
