Egypt kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign in emphatic style, thrashing Djibouti 6-0 at the Cairo International Stadium on November 17, 2023. The Pharaohs, led by captain Mohamed Salah, delivered a dominant performance in this Group A fixture, showcasing their attacking firepower. Salah was instrumental, contributing a goal and multiple assists as Egypt built a multi-goal lead by halftime. The second half saw more of the same, with the hosts adding further goals to complete a comprehensive rout. The match result was never in doubt, allowing Egypt to make a strong statement of intent in the qualifiers. This victory not only provided a perfect start but also a significant goal difference boost, which could prove crucial later in the group stage. Djibouti's players were simply outclassed by one of the continent's strongest sides.