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FIFA requests Egypt to stop spotting AFCON 7 stars from WC jerseys

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By Ojomah Austin.

The Egyptian national football team will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup without the seven stars that traditionally appear above their crest to celebrate the country’s record seven Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles.

The decision follows a reminder from FIFA that only achievements recognized under its competition regulations can be displayed on team jerseys during World Cup matches. As a result, Egypt’s iconic stars, which symbolize their continental success, will not feature on their kits throughout the tournament.

The change was confirmed by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), which disclosed that FIFA had communicated the requirement several months ago, giving the federation enough time to make the necessary adjustments.

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Speaking to ESPN, EFA Media Officer Mohamed Morad Thabet explained that the move was not a disciplinary action but rather part of FIFA’s standard kit compliance procedures.

 

“It was a routine procedure. Four months ago, FIFA informed the Football Association regarding the issue of not displaying the Africa Cup of Nations stars on the national team’s jersey during World Cup matches,” Thabet said.

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He added that the federation had anticipated the directive and had already begun preparations long before the tournament.

According to FIFA’s kit regulations, national teams are generally permitted to display stars commemorating FIFA World Cup titles. Since Egypt’s seven stars represent victories in the Africa Cup of Nations rather than World Cup triumphs, they do not meet the criteria for display during FIFA’s flagship tournament.

In addition to removing the stars, Egypt has also altered the design of its kit by changing the color of the squad numbers from gold to white. The adjustment was reportedly made to improve visibility and ensure compliance with tournament standards.

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The development means that fans will see a slightly different version of the Pharaohs’ famous jersey when the team takes to the field in North America.

 

Egypt enters the tournament hoping to make a strong impression after securing qualification for football’s biggest stage. The North African giants open their Group G campaign against Belgium in Seattle on Monday.

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They will then travel to Vancouver to face New Zealand six days later before returning to Seattle for their final group-stage encounter against Iran on June 26.

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Anthony Joshua knocks out Kristian Prenga after initial scare

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Anthony Joshua remains on course for a showdown with British heavyweight rival Tyson Fury later this year after recovering from being knocked down inside 20 seconds to secure a second-round knockout of Kristian Prenga in a wild clash in Jeddah.

Joshua endured a dismal first three minutes, hitting the canvas twice, firstly from a vicious uppercut, with the Albanian knockout specialist eyeing a seismic shock.

However, Prenga was demolished shortly after by right hands in AJ’s first outing since he was a passenger in a car crash last December that killed close friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

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Arsenal in surprise drive for Vinícius Jr. amid Real Madrid contract uncertainty

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Arsenal are reportedly considering the possibility of signing Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior in what could become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.

According to respected transfer journalist David Ornstein, the Gunners have internally approved the idea of pursuing the Brazilian winger if he fails to agree a new contract with the Spanish giants.

While there have been no club-to-club negotiations at this stage, the interest is said to have the backing of Arsenal’s hierarchy, with the North London club closely monitoring the player’s contract situation.

Vinícius has entered the final 12 months of his current deal at Real Madrid, raising questions about his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabéu. Madrid are keen to avoid losing one of their biggest stars on a free transfer and are also mindful of a substantial loyalty bonus that would become due if he remains at the club into next season.

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Despite the growing speculation, the move remains in its early stages, with no formal talks having taken place between the clubs. However, Ornstein reports that Vinícius is among Arsenal’s primary transfer targets should an opportunity arise.

The Brazilian international has established himself as one of the world’s top attacking players since joining Real Madrid, playing a key role in the club’s domestic and European successes. Any potential deal would likely require a significant transfer fee and a major financial commitment from Arsenal.

For now, Arsenal are keeping a close watch on developments, with Vinícius’ contract negotiations expected to determine whether the Premier League side can turn their ambitious interest into a formal pursuit.

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Just in: 23m support petition to ban Argentina from World Cup as FIFA pushes back

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An online petition calling for Argentina to be banned from the FIFA World Cup has attracted more than 23 million signatures from football fans across the globe, following the conclusion of the 2026 tournament.

According to talkSPORT, the petition, titled “Argentina Out,” amassed 23,316,108 signatures from supporters in 170 countries in less than a week, making it one of the most widely shared online petitions in history.

Organisers had initially hoped to collect five million signatures, but the campaign quickly surpassed that target as frustration over Argentina’s performances and officiating during the tournament spread among football fans.

The petition accused FIFA and match officials of showing favoritism toward Argentina and captain Lionel Messi throughout the competition, allegations that FIFA has consistently denied.

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The petition stated: “Why should the rest of the teams play in the tournament if the winner is known in advance? Exclude Argentina from the World Cup and give everyone a fair chance.” The campaign gained momentum during the World Cup but ultimately failed to achieve its objective.

Argentina’s campaign ended in disappointment after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final. Messi, playing what many believe could be his final World Cup, was seen leaving the pitch in tears following emotional scenes after the final whistle.

The petition was officially closed after the tournament ended, with its website displaying the message: “FIFA ignored us but Spain delivered. Thank you Spain.” Despite the campaign’s widespread support, Argentina faces no disciplinary action and will continue to participate in future FIFA World Cup competitions.

The South American giants are expected to feature in the 2030 tournament, where they are among the nations scheduled to co-host an expanded 64-team competition. Although the petition drew more than 23 million signatures, it narrowly missed becoming the largest online petition ever recorded.

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The current Guinness World Record remains with the Jubilee 2000 campaign, an international movement that called for the cancellation of unpayable debts owed by the world’s poorest nations.

Launched in April 1997, the campaign collected 24,319,181 signatures from 166 countries before being presented at the United Nations Millennium Summit in New York in 2000.

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