The Egyptian Football Association clarified on June 15, 2026, that adjustments to the national team’s World Cup jerseys—removing stars representing African Cup of Nations titles and changing number colors—were mandated by FIFA regulations, not an unexpected issue. The changes, announced days before Egypt’s opening match against Belgium, align with rules requiring World Cup jerseys to display only FIFA World Cup victories, not continental titles.
FIFA’s Regulations and the Star Controversy
FIFA’s requirements for World Cup jerseys specify that only stars denoting FIFA World Cup wins should appear, excluding regional titles like the Africa Cup of Nations. The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) confirmed to Sky News Arabia that the decision was communicated months ago, with officials stating, “The Egyptian team and the EFA were fully aware of this matter for some time, and necessary arrangements were made in coordination with the relevant authorities.” This aligns with a statement from the EFA’s media center, which emphasized that the adjustments were “not a new development or surprise before the tournament’s start.”
According to the EFA, the changes were part of standard pre-tournament protocols. The association added that the company responsible for the team’s kits implemented the modifications per FIFA guidelines, including switching the numbers on the jerseys from gold to white for better visibility during matches and broadcasts.
“This is a routine technical adjustment,” the EFA stated, referencing the company’s compliance with FIFA’s “approved regulations.” The decision has drawn comparisons to Uruguay’s kit, which retains four stars despite winning the World Cup only twice. Kooora highlighted this disparity, questioning why Uruguay’s design was permitted while Egypt’s was adjusted.
Technical Adjustments to the Jerseys
The new jersey design, unveiled ahead of Egypt’s match against Belgium, features a revised logo with the seven stars representing African Cup of Nations titles removed. The EFA confirmed that the alterations were “part of the standard procedures applied to all participating teams,” as outlined by FIFA. The league’s official guidelines, cited by Al Jazeera, specify that “stars on jerseys during the World Cup must reflect only FIFA World Cup victories, not continental or regional titles.”
In addition to the star removal, the numbers on the jerseys were changed from gold to white. This adjustment, described as “a routine technical measure” by the EFA, aims to enhance visibility for referees, spectators, and broadcasters. The EFA’s statement to Al Jazeera noted that the company handling the team’s kits “executed the required modifications in accordance with FIFA’s approved regulations.”
Historical Context and Egypt’s World Cup Journey
This is Egypt’s fourth World Cup appearance, following participations in 1934, 1990, and 2018. The 2026 tournament marks a significant moment for the team, which has historically struggled to progress beyond the group stage. The EFA’s statement to Sky News Arabia emphasized that the jersey changes were “not a new development or surprise before the tournament’s start,” underscoring the team’s preparedness for the event.
Despite the adjustments, Egypt’s focus remains on its opening match against Belgium, scheduled for June 15, 2026, at “Lumen Field” in the United States. The team’s strategy, as outlined by coach Hossam Hassan, includes defensive stability and leveraging the speed of players like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. The match will be broadcast on beIN SPORTS, the exclusive regional broadcaster for the World Cup.
Reactions and Broader Implications
The EFA’s clarification has quelled initial concerns among Egyptian fans, who had raised questions about the jersey design. However, the contrast with Uruguay’s kit has sparked debate about the consistency of FIFA’s enforcement of its regulations. Kooora noted that Uruguay’s team retains four stars despite only winning the World Cup twice, raising questions about the application of the rules.
Analysts suggest that the incident highlights the challenges of balancing tradition with regulatory compliance in global sports. For Egypt, the adjustments underscore the need to adapt to FIFA’s evolving standards while maintaining its identity. As the team prepares for its World Cup campaign, the focus will shift to on-field performance, with the jersey changes serving as a reminder of the administrative complexities involved in international football.
For more details on FIFA’s regulations, visit Sky News Arabia.
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