Egypt’s football history has never witnessed qualification to knockout stages without securing a win in the group stage.
However, the current generation of the Pharaohs achieved this unprecedented feat, advancing to the knockout rounds of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast after drawing 2-2 against Cape Verde in the final group stage match.
Egypt joins a select group of teams achieving knockout qualification without group stage victories in prestigious tournaments, showcasing their resilience and strategic play.
1958 FIFA World Cup
The 1958 World Cup in Sweden featured a unique case where Wales progressed to the quarterfinals without a single win.
In a group with Sweden, Wales, Hungary, and Mexico, Wales secured draws in all three matches.
Their journey, however, ended swiftly in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 defeat to Brazil.
1982 FIFA World Cup
Italy, in the 1982 World Cup held in Spain, emerged from the group stage without a win.
In a group with Poland, Italy, Cameroon, and Peru, Italy drew all matches.
Advancing to the next group stage, Italy claimed victories against Brazil and Argentina, ultimately winning the tournament after defeating West Germany 3-1 in the final.
1986 FIFA World Cup
Bulgaria replicated Egypt’s current feat in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
Qualifying as the best third-placed team without a win, Bulgaria drew two matches and suffered one defeat.
Their journey ended in the round of 16, losing 2-0 to Mexico.
1990 FIFA World Cup
In the 1990 World Cup in Italy, the Netherlands qualified from a group with Egypt without winning any matches.
Despite finishing at the bottom with two draws and a loss, the Netherlands reached the round of 16 but were eliminated by West Germany in a 2-1 defeat.
1998 FIFA World Cup
Chile made a similar achievement in the 1998 World Cup hosted by France.
Drawing all matches in a group with Italy, Austria, and Cameroon, Chile progressed to the round of 16 but was defeated by Brazil with a score of 4-1.
UEFA Euro 2016
Portugal’s journey in Euro 2016 is a well-known example.
In a group with Hungary, Iceland, and Austria, Portugal drew all matches.
However, they went on to win the tournament, defeating France 1-0 in the final after progressing through the knockout stages.
These instances illustrate that advancing without group stage victories is a rare but remarkable achievement, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of football tournaments.
As Egypt navigates through the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, fans eagerly anticipate how the Pharaohs will fare in their preferred championship.
