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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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Germany began their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey in devastating fashion, dismantling tournament newcomers Curaçao 7-1 in a dominant display. Despite the heavy defeat, the Caribbean nation celebrated a historic milestone by scoring its first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup.

Making their maiden appearance at football’s biggest tournament, Curaçao entered the match as overwhelming underdogs against the four-time world champions. However, the tiny island nation of approximately 156,000 people etched its name into World Cup history when Livano Comenencia found the back of the net in the first half.

The goal, scored in the 21st minute, marked Curaçao’s first strike at a World Cup and briefly stunned the German supporters inside the stadium.

Germany had taken an early lead just six minutes into the encounter through Felix Nmecha, who curled a brilliant effort into the corner of the net after combining well with Florian Wirtz.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side appeared set for a comfortable evening, controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game. But Curaçao produced a memorable response when a well-worked team move culminated in Comenencia’s shot taking a slight deflection before beating veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

For a brief period, the World Cup debutants dared to dream of causing one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.

Germany quickly reasserted their superiority. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a powerful header from a Nathaniel Brown cross before Kai Havertz added a third goal from the penalty spot deep into first-half stoppage time after Nmecha was brought down inside the area.

The second half began in the same manner the first ended, with Germany piling pressure on their overwhelmed opponents.

Just two minutes after the restart, Jamal Musiala extended the lead to 4-1, calmly finishing after being picked out by Joshua Kimmich.

Nathaniel Brown then crowned an impressive performance by scoring his first international goal with a well-taken volley, further increasing Germany’s advantage.

Substitute Deniz Undav also got on the scoresheet as Germany continued to carve open the Curaçao defence at will.

Kai Havertz completed his brace late in the match, lifting the ball over goalkeeper Eloy Room to seal a comprehensive 7-1 victory and cap a near-perfect opening outing for the European giants.

While the scoreline reflected Germany’s quality and experience, Curaçao left the pitch with a significant achievement of their own. Their historic goal ensured the nation’s first World Cup appearance will be remembered for more than the result.

As the smallest country ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, Curaçao’s journey to the tournament has already become one of the competition’s most inspiring stories.

For Germany, the emphatic victory sends a strong message to their rivals as they pursue a fifth World Cup title. For Curaçao, despite the defeat, the night delivered a moment that will forever occupy a special place in the nation’s football history.

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Four-time winners Germany overcame a brief scare from World Cup debutants Curacao before turning on the style to win their Group E opener in Houston.

Die Mannschaft went ahead in the sixth minute with the tournament’s earliest goal so far coming from a powerful curling effort from one-time England youth international Felix Nmecha.

But they were stunned by a leveller from the smallest nation ever, by size and population, to take part in a World Cup.

With around 155,000 inhabitants, the Caribbean island of just 171 square miles is smaller than the Isle of Man with a population the same as Huddersfield.

Zurich midfielder Livano Comenencia wrote his name in Blue Wave folklore on 21 minutes with a left-footed drive from the edge of the box which deflected past Germany keeper Manuel Neuer, who was appearing in a fifth tournament at the age of 40.

Moments after Curacao striker Jurgen Locadia then had a penalty appeal waved away after nipping past Jonathan Tah, a hydration break midway through the half gave the unsettled Germans the opportunity to reset.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side did just that, showing fresh impetus in attack and restoring their lead after 17 minutes of parity through Nico Schlotterbeck’s flashing header from Nathaniel Brown’s corner to the near post.

The pressure intensified and a calm penalty from Kai Havertz in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage-time – following a rash lunge on the impressive Nmecha by Riechedly Bazoer – gave the eight-time finalists breathing space.

Just 69 seconds after the interval Jamal Musiala fired in an angled finish from Joshua Kimmich’s neat pass to signal Germany’s intent as they took control of the game.

Left-back Brown lashed home a volley after a neat flick from substitute Deniz Undav, who then swept home a sixth from Kimmich’s pass.

The former Brighton forward, now at Stuttgart, then set up Havertz for Germany’ s seventh goal two minutes from time, a lovely dink over Curacao keeper Eloy Room to seal a dominant success.