Former Mali coach Tom Saintfiet believes Egypt have the quality to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has described their group as the easiest among the African teams participating in the tournament.
Speaking in an interview with FilGoal, the Belgian coach said Egypt had developed into a strong national side capable of competing against major football nations.
The 2026 World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico and will feature 48 teams for the first time in the competition’s history.
Saintfiet described the tournament as one of football’s great spectacles, while acknowledging that staging matches in the United States could create additional complications.
“Every World Cup is an exciting tournament because the best teams come together. Perhaps holding the tournament in America will make things difficult for political reasons, but it will be an enjoyable tournament.”
Argentina, Brazil and European powers among favourites
Asked about the leading contenders for the title, Saintfiet said predicting the eventual champions remained difficult because of the strength of several nations.
“It will be difficult to predict who will win the title in 2026. Argentina and Brazil are always the favorites from South America, and there are also Spain and France, and it is possible that England will go far. There is also Croatia, whose name we must mention. For me, the 14 most likely candidates are Spain, France, Argentina, and Brazil.”
Saintfiet also suggested African teams could once again make a strong impact at the World Cup following Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals in 2022.
According to the Belgian coach, several African nations possess enough quality and tactical maturity to challenge for places in the last eight.
“There are more than two African teams that can reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Perhaps Senegal and Morocco have proven themselves before, and they can do it again. There are Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana and Ivory Coast who can reach the quarter-finals or beyond.”
Egypt group viewed as favourable
Egypt have been drawn into a group containing Belgium, Iran and New Zealand.
Saintfiet believes the Pharaohs have received a relatively favourable draw compared with other African representatives.
“I think Egypt’s group is the easiest among the African teams’ groups. Belgium is no longer as strong as it was before. In 2018 they were the strongest team in the world, and in 2022 their performance declined. In 2026 they might reach the quarter-finals at most.”
The former Mali manager also predicted that Egypt would progress from the group stage.
“Egypt and Iran are two great teams, and New Zealand is the weakest in the group. I think Egypt will qualify in second place, while Iran will reach the next round by occupying third place.”
Belgium still favourites in direct clash
Despite his confidence in Egypt’s chances, Saintfiet still considers Belgium favourites when the two sides meet during the tournament.
However, he insisted the Egyptian team had already shown they were capable of competing with elite opposition.
“Belgium is a favorite to beat Egypt in the World Cup, and I think Egypt has already beaten Belgium 4-0, and the Egyptian national team has become strong and can reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.”
Egypt will enter the tournament hoping to build on growing optimism surrounding the national team, with Saintfiet joining a number of observers who believe African nations could again challenge the traditional
