Egypt

Egypt, the Pharaohs, are the most successful nation in African Cup of Nations history with a record seven titles, and carry one of the continent's proudest footballing traditions. Today they are led by global superstar Mohamed Salah, who has lifted the team's profile to new heights.

Egypt were the first African nation ever to play at a World Cup, appearing in 1934. Remarkably, they have qualified only three times — in 1934, 1990, and 2018 — and have yet to win a match or advance beyond the group stage. Their 2018 campaign, built around a not-fully-fit Salah, ended in three defeats. Despite their dominance in African competition, a deep World Cup run remains the great unfulfilled ambition of Egyptian football.