Egypt great Wael Gomaa singled out in Infantino’s World Cup message

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has sent an official message to the Egyptian Football Association praising the contribution of former Egypt and Al Ahly defender Wael Gomaa to the 2026 World Cup.

In the message, sent on Monday, Infantino offered his “sincere congratulations” and wished Gomaa continued health, happiness and success in both his personal and professional life. He also recognised the former player’s substantial career in football, both on the pitch and in administration.

Gomaa is currently Al Ahly’s football director, having moved into management after ending a distinguished playing career with the Egyptian club and the national team.

Infantino’s message specifically highlighted Gomaa’s work with Fifa during the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The 2026 World Cup was the first edition to use the expanded format, with 48 teams taking part.

The Fifa president said Gomaa’s support and co-operation had contributed directly to the success of the competition. He described the tournament as “the most successful edition in the history of the World Cup”, citing its organisation, attendances and technical standard.

Gomaa, who was born on 3 August 1975, was part of Fifa’s organisational and technical teams during the 2026 World Cup. His involvement came as the governing body implemented the enlarged tournament format for the first time.

The former centre-back is regarded as one of the leading figures in Egyptian football. He won three successive Africa Cup of Nations titles with Egypt in 2006, 2008 and 2010, establishing himself as a key member of one of the country’s most successful international sides.

He also collected a significant number of honours during his time with Al Ahly. After retiring from playing, Gomaa switched to administrative work and went on to take up the role of football director at the Cairo club, widely known as the Red Castle.

Infantino’s letter was presented as recognition of the Egyptian personnel who helped stage what Fifa considers the world’s biggest football event. The message combined praise for Gomaa’s long career with an acknowledgement of his work behind the scenes during the expanded World Cup.

The tournament was jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States and marked a major change in the competition’s structure, with 16 more teams involved than in previous editions. Fifa’s assessment, as conveyed by Infantino, was that the event delivered strongly across organisation, crowd interest and footballing quality.

For Gomaa, the recognition adds an international endorsement to a career that has included major achievements at club and international level, followed by a transition into football administration.