Egypt was told to take AFCON stars off of their World Cup jerseys

Egypt has been compelled to implement substantial alterations to their official kit in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following FIFA’s decision that the team is prohibited from wearing the seven stars featured above their crest during the tournament.

The stars, representing Egypt’s impressive seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, have become a distinctive element of the Pharaohs’ jersey. FIFA has reportedly directed the Egyptian Football Association to eliminate them prior to the nation’s opening Group G match against Belgium.

FIFA has also requested modifications to the gold-colored lettering and numbering on the kit, in addition to the removal of the stars. The governing body has requested that Egypt change the gold design utilized for players’ names and shirt numbers to align with World Cup equipment and branding regulations.

The decision has ignited discussion among supporters, many of whom regard the seven stars as a proud emblem of Egypt’s supremacy in African football. Egypt remains the most successful nation in AFCON history, having won the continental title seven times.

Following the setback, the North African giants will now shift their attention to preparing for their World Cup campaign, which kicks off against Belgium on June 15. Egypt has been placed in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, aiming to advance to the knockout stages despite the off-field kit controversy.

The ruling indicates that Egypt will compete in a revised version of their jersey, resulting in the absence of one of the most iconic symbols of their footballing legacy from the world’s largest stage.