Egypt and Senegal have been instructed by FIFA to remove the stars displayed above their national team crests on their jerseys ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in line with the tournament’s strict equipment regulations.
The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that the Pharaohs will not be permitted to wear their traditional seven stars above the team badge during the competition, starting with their opening Group match against Belgium.
FIFA has also directed Egypt to alter the gold colour used for players’ names and numbers on the kit to comply with official tournament standards.
The seven stars on Egypt’s jersey represent the country’s record seven Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) titles.
However, FIFA’s equipment regulations stipulate that stars displayed above a national team’s crest at the World Cup are reserved exclusively for nations that have won the FIFA World Cup.
As a result, Egypt, despite being Africa’s most successful nation in AFCON history, must remove the stars for the duration of the tournament.
Senegal, who also feature stars on their jersey linked to continental achievements, have reportedly been asked to comply with the same directive.
FIFA’s decision is not unprecedented, as similar regulations have been enforced on other national teams in previous World Cups to maintain consistency in tournament branding and kit standards.
In addition to the removal of the stars, Egypt’s adjustment to the gold lettering and numbering is understood to be related to broadcast visibility requirements and FIFA’s approval guidelines for official competition attire.
The directive is viewed as a standard application of FIFA’s equipment rules rather than a disciplinary measure, with all participating nations expected to adhere to the governing body’s kit regulations throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
