FIFA Enforces Kit Star Policy on Egypt for World Cup

FIFA reminded the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) that its national-team jerseys must not display the seven stars representing Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations titles during the World Cup. The directive, issued four months before the tournament, also required the jersey numbers to change from gold to white for visibility.

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FIFA permits stars on World Cup kits only for victories; while federations may display stars for other honours, the rule applies at the tournament. Uruguay, the only exception, wears four stars for two World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals. Star displays for non-World Cup honours are left to federations, causing varied interpretations.

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The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) oversees kit compliance, with media officer Mohamed Morad Thabet as spokesperson. Puma supplies the jerseys; FIFA sets uniform rules.

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Seven Africa Cup of Nations titles (1957-2010). World Cup appearances (1934, 1990, 2018, 2026). No World Cup wins; eliminated in 2018 group stage after three losses. Numbers changed from gold to white for group-stage matches.

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EFA media officer Mohamed Morad Thabet called the FIFA notice a routine step, noting Egypt had anticipated the requirement and prepared kits. He confirmed Puma’s colour change to meet FIFA’s visibility standards.

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• “It was a routine procedure: four months ago, FIFA notified the Football Association regarding the issue of not displaying the Africa Cup of Nations stars on the national team's jersey during World Cup matches.” — Mohamed Morad Thabet, EFA Media Officer

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• “The national team had already anticipated this and made the necessary preparations well in advance.” — Mohamed Morad Thabet, EFA Media Officer

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• “FIFA requested a change in the jerseys' numbers from gold to white," Morad continued.” — Mohamed Morad Thabet, EFA Media Officer

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• “Puma, the company responsible for the jerseys' colour scheme made the switch to white to ensure the numbers were more clearly visible.” — Mohamed Morad Thabet, EFA Media Officer

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Removing the seven stars strips a reminder of Egypt’s continental success, aligning the kit with FIFA’s policy. The number-colour shift, though minor, ensures compliance with visibility rules and avoids potential match-day penalties.

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Egypt opens Group G against Belgium in Seattle on Monday, then faces New Zealand in Vancouver six days later, and concludes with Iran in Seattle on June 26. All three matches will wear Puma kits without stars and with white numbers.

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