Egypt have been forced to make significant changes to their official kit ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA ruled that the team cannot wear the seven stars displayed above their crest during the tournament.
The stars, which symbolize Egypt’s record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, have become an iconic feature of the Pharaohs’ jersey. However, FIFA has reportedly instructed the Egyptian Football Association to remove them before the country’s opening Group G match against Belgium.
In addition to the removal of the stars, FIFA has also requested changes to the gold-coloured lettering and numbering on the kit. The governing body wants Egypt to replace the gold design used for players’ names and shirt numbers to ensure compliance with World Cup equipment and branding regulations.
The decision has sparked debate among supporters, many of whom view the seven stars as a proud symbol of Egypt’s dominance in African football. Egypt remain the most successful nation in AFCON history, having lifted the continental title seven times.
Despite the setback, the North African giants will now turn their focus to preparations for their World Cup campaign, which begins against Belgium on June 15. Egypt have been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran and New Zealand, with hopes of progressing to the knockout stages despite the off-field kit controversy.
The ruling means Egypt will take to the field in a modified version of their jersey, leaving one of the most recognizable symbols of their footballing history absent from the world’s biggest stage.
