FIFA Tightens Kit Rules, Forcing Egypt to Alter World Cup Shirt

FIFA has forced another national team to change its jersey just before kickoff at the 2026 World Cup, this time Egypt. The tournament has only just begun, but a second team has already had its preparations disrupted by the governing body's stricter kit regulations.

Earlier, Haiti was ordered to remove an image taken from a war scene from its shirt before its opening match against Scotland, after FIFA deemed the kit too political. Now Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, has been told to make major changes before its first game in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as part of a new enforcement push.

Egypt will open Group G against Belgium on Monday, then face Iran and New Zealand. The team will not be allowed to wear the seven stars above its badge, which it uses to mark its seven Africa Cup of Nations titles. FIFA says only World Cup titles may be represented by stars on shirts worn in the competition, so continental trophies such as the Africa Cup of Nations, the European Championship and the Copa America cannot be shown that way.

FIFA also rejected Egypt's gold numbers and lettering, saying metallic gold is not suitable because of visibility concerns on the pitch. This will be Egypt's fourth World Cup appearance, and its first since the 2018 group stage. Because of the draw and the expanded format, Egypt will hope to reach the knockout rounds this time. Under the new rules, only eight countries can display stars for World Cup wins, including Italy, Brazil, Germany, Argentina, France, Uruguay, England and Spain, though Italy did not qualify for this tournament.