Egypt ‘best Arab and African team’, says Hamdy Fathy despite World Cup exit

Egypt midfielder Hamdy Fathy has insisted the Pharaohs are the strongest side in both Africa and the Arab world, despite their last-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup and the recent rise of continental rivals Senegal and Morocco.

Fathy was part of the Egypt squad that reached the knockout stages at the expanded tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, before losing 3-2 to eventual finalists Argentina in the round of 16.

‘We were not worried about Senegal’

Speaking to Egyptian broadcaster ON Sport, the Al‐Wakrah midfielder played down any suggestion that Egypt had been preoccupied with avoiding Senegal – regarded by many as one of Africa’s leading teams.

“لم نكن قلقين من مواجهة السنغال في كاس العالم، لم يكن الامر يشغلنا بقدر هدفنا في الصعود,” Fathy said.

He credited head coach Hossam Hassan with instilling a fearless mindset in the squad.

“حسام حسن (مدرب منتخب مصر) جعلنا قادرين على مواجهة اي منتخب دون خوف، ولم نفكر في تجنب مواجهة السنغال، لاننا كنا افضل منتخب عربي وافريقي، ولو واجهناهم لهزمناهم”.

Senegal, who boast stars such as Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, were among the pre-tournament favourites from Africa, alongside Morocco. But Fathy maintained Egypt approached the World Cup convinced they could beat any opponent from the continent.

Respect for Morocco – but strong claim of superiority

Morocco have delivered the most eye-catching World Cup results of any Arab or African nation over the last two editions, and Fathy acknowledged their achievements.

“منتخب المغرب يسير بخطى ثابتة في تشكيل جيل محترم، وحصل على المركز الرابع في المونديال الماضي، ووصل لربع النهايي في تلك النسخة، وهذا نجاح كبير”.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco became the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals, finishing fourth. In 2026, they once again went deep into the tournament, reaching the quarter-finals before losing 2-0 to France.

Yet Fathy was adamant that, on current form, Egypt would have the upper hand in any direct meeting.

He added: “لكن في الوقت الحالي، يمكننا الفوز على المغرب، فهم يخشوننا، لاننا نستطيع الفوز عليهم بشكل دايم”.

Egypt’s self-belief after Argentina thriller

Egypt’s World Cup ended in dramatic fashion with their 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the last 16 – a match that appears to have reinforced, rather than shaken, the squad’s belief in their potential.

The Pharaohs pushed the South American giants all the way before bowing out, and Fathy’s comments suggest a dressing room that views the 2026 campaign as a platform for further progress rather than a ceiling.

While FIFA’s global rankings and various analytical tools – such as power rankings that assess attack, creativity and defensive strength – have often favoured Morocco and Senegal in recent years, Fathy’s remarks underline a growing conviction within the Egyptian camp that they are closing, and perhaps overturning, that gap.

Continental rivalry intensifies

Fathy’s assertion that Egypt are now the region’s leading side will add further spice to future meetings with Morocco and Senegal in African competitions and World Cup qualifying.

Egypt remain one of Africa’s most decorated national teams, particularly in the Africa Cup of Nations, but have not matched that dominance on the World Cup stage in the modern era.

Morocco, by contrast, have translated their recent investment in infrastructure and a new generation of Europe‐based players into historic World Cup runs, while Senegal’s golden generation has delivered continental silverware.

Against that backdrop, Fathy’s belief that “كنا افضل منتخب عربي وافريقي” sets out an ambitious benchmark for Egypt as they look beyond their 2026 World Cup exit and towards upcoming AFCON and 2030 World Cup campaigns.