Egypt

Egypt is the most decorated national team in African football history, backed by one of the continent's most fervent fanbases and a deep footballing culture rooted in Cairo's giant club rivalry. The Pharaohs are known for tactical resilience and clutch goalkeeping, traits that have carried them to the top of the Africa Cup of Nations podium more than any other nation. With Mohamed Salah leading the modern era, Egypt remains a perennial continental heavyweight.

Egypt's federation, founded in 1921, is one of the oldest in Africa, and the national team has won a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles: 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010 — including three straight from 2006-2010. Despite that continental dominance, Egypt has reached the World Cup only three times (1934, 1990, 2018), never advancing past the group stage. The program's modern era is defined by Mohamed Salah's rise into one of the world's best players, even as major trophies have proven elusive since 2010.