CAIRO, EGYPT — MAY 28, 2026 — Egypt secured a 1–0 victory over Russia in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, as the Pharaohs continued their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Defender Mostafa Ziko scored the decisive goal in the 65th minute, heading the ball into the net to give Egypt a hard-fought win in front of thousands of supporters who filled the stadium and created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the evening.
The match formed part of Egypt’s final preparations ahead of the World Cup and provided head coach Hossam Hassan with an opportunity to assess several players against strong international opposition. Both teams used the occasion to test tactical approaches, evaluate squad depth, and build match fitness before the tournament.
Egypt controlled large portions of the match and created a number of chances, while Russia looked dangerous on the counterattack but struggled to break through the Egyptian defense. The home side maintained its lead during the final stages despite increased Russian pressure.
One of the notable aspects of the match was the absence of Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah, who was rested after joining the national team camp later than several of his teammates. Meanwhile, forward Omar Marmoush featured prominently in attack, while defender Mohamed Abdelmonem made a welcome return following a lengthy injury layoff.
The friendly attracted a large crowd at Cairo International Stadium, where Egyptian fans turned the venue into a sea of flags and chants. The atmosphere reflected growing optimism among supporters as the national team prepares for its return to football’s biggest stage.
For Russia, the match offered valuable preparation despite the defeat, allowing the coaching staff to assess player performances and experiment with different tactical combinations ahead of future international fixtures.
Egypt will now turn its attention to the final phase of its World Cup preparations, with the victory providing an important boost in confidence and momentum before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Photo by Omar Attallah / JNA Press