Egypt haven't even played a game yet and they're already making headlines for the wrong reasons. FIFA has told the Egyptian Football Association that their current kit is non-compliant and must be altered before Monday's opener against Belgium.
Two changes required. One expected, one that stings a little more.
Seven stars, zero tolerance
The bigger issue is the stars. Egypt's badge carries seven of them — one for each Africa Cup of Nations title the Pharaohs have claimed since 1957. That makes them the most decorated nation in AFCON history, with triumphs in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010. It's a legitimate source of national pride, stitched into the fabric of the shirt.
FIFA doesn't care. Under tournament rules, only World Cup wins can be represented by stars on a national team's crest during the competition. Since Egypt has never lifted the trophy, the stars have to go. No exceptions, no sentiment.
The second change is more procedural. Egypt's gold shirt numbers have been flagged for visibility issues — FIFA wants them switched to white for better contrast on television broadcasts and for match officials. Unlike the star situation, Egyptian officials knew this one was coming. "This is not a surprise and we were already aware of it before the tournament," the EFA confirmed. The updated kits are expected to be ready in time.
Egypt aren't alone
Haiti have also been caught in FIFA's uniform crackdown. Their kit featured a graphic on the right hip marking Haitian independence — FIFA ruled it too political and ordered its removal.
It's a pattern worth watching. The 2026 World Cup is barely underway and the governing body is already making its presence felt off the pitch. Egypt now head into a challenging Group C opener against Belgium stripped of the symbols that represent their continental dominance — a small detail on paper, but kits carry weight with players and fans alike. Whether it affects the Pharaohs' performance is another matter entirely.
Egypt vs Belgium kicks off Monday. The stars won't be there. The pressure will be.
