Egypt and Burkina Faso settle kit dispute as FIFA steps in

Egypt’s trip to Burkina Faso for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers almost turned tense before a ball was even kicked.

A disagreement over match kits threatened to overshadow Tuesday’s clash in Group A, but FIFA has now stepped in to resolve the issue in Egypt’s favor.

The Egyptian Football Association explained on Monday that confusion arose during the technical meeting when Burkina Faso requested their goalkeeper wear an all-black kit. That choice clashed with the Pharaohs’ black shorts, creating uncertainty just a day before the game. Matters were further complicated because Egypt’s alternate color, white, also conflicted with Burkina Faso’s planned home kit.

The EFA released a statement saying, “The Egyptian Football Association affirms the integrity of the national team’s position in choosing the colors of its kit for tomorrow’s match against Burkina Faso in the eighth round of World Cup qualifiers, within the framework of the colors approved by FIFA for each team, whether in regard to the main or alternate kit.”

“FIFA has confirmed the validity of the Egyptian team’s position in a letter to tomorrow’s match observer,” it added.