MENA Sports Wrap: Egypt and Algeria qualify for 2026 World Cup

From World Cup drama to viral moments and record-breaking fortunes, the MENA region saw another fascinating week in sports.

Mo Salah fired Egypt into the 2026 World Cup with a decisive performance against Djibouti. In Istanbul, Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec claimed gold and went viral once again for his trademark cool composure, while Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer to cross the billionaire threshold after his blockbuster Saudi deal.

Mo Salah guides Egypt to World Cup finals

After a slow start in the Premier League, Mo Salah found the net for Egypt against Djibouti, guaranteeing the Pharaohs a place in the 2026 World Cup.

Salah scored twice in a 3-0 win against Djibouti in Casablanca, bagging nine goals in the African qualifying campaign, which helped guide Egypt to the top of their group.

Meanwhile, Algeria also guaranteed a place in the finals thanks to a comfortable 3-0 win over Somalia with two goals from Mohamed Amoura and another from Riyad Mahrez.

Algeria, once a powerhouse in North African football, have stumbled in recent games with draws against Sudan, Niger and Guinea.

Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco are also through to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Saudi Arabia moved closer to qualification with a 3-2 win over Indonesia in Riyadh, thanks to a vital two goals from Firas Al-Buraikan, who helped the Green Falcons come from behind to win the game.

Saudi Arabia needs just three points in their next game against Iraq to be guaranteed a place in the World Cup, something the team appear to be fully focused on.

"One more step to go. God willing, we’ll make it happen," Al-Buraikan said.

Qatar and Oman are both vying for a place in the World Cup, with a match between the two sides on Wednesday ending 0-0. Oman has never qualified for a World Cup before, and success in the next game against the UAE would be a historic moment for the football-mad sultanate.

"A draw is the best result for both teams today. A loss would have hurt our chances of World Cup qualification," Oman coach Carlos Queiroz said. "We don’t have much time before facing the UAE, but we’ll prepare well to keep our World Cup dream alive."

Turkish shooting sensation goes viral again, wins gold

Turkish shooting hero Yusuf Dikec stole the limelight once again for his seemingly nonchalant way of competing and for securing one of Turkey’s many gold medals at the ESC European Champions League over the weekend.

Sporting his signature casual t-shirt and shunning any protective gear such as specialised glasses and ear protectors, Dikec, alongside his teammate Mustafa Inan, beat German pair Paul Frohlich and Christian Reitz in the men’s team event on home soil, as the competition was held in Istanbul.

"Representing my country in front of a home crowd, with the tournament being held in Istanbul for the first time, is a great honour. Winning gold here makes me very happy," he told media.

Dikec went viral again on social media following his performance, just as he did during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Last year, the shooter rose to international fame following his calm, unfazed performance, which earned him a silver medal in the 10 metre air pistol mixed team.

Similar to 2024, Dikec competed with his hand in his pocket in his usual cool, collected demeanour.

The 52-year-old completed Turkey’s medal tally of three golds, one silver, and one bronze.

Turkey’s performance during the championship showcased the country’s determination to establish itself as a powerhouse on the international stage in the sport.

"We are celebrating the grit, discipline and unwavering belief of our athletes. These victories reflect the growth of Turkish shooting and the promise of tomorrow’s champions," Turkish Shooting Federation President Murat Kocakaya said.

Dikec and his teammates will compete next in the World Championships in Cairo next month.

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first footballer to join billionaire ranks after Saudi move

Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer to be named a billionaire, with Bloomberg's Billionaires Index valuing the Portuguese striker's fortune at $1.4 billion.

The milestone comes largely on the back of his blockbuster deal with Saudi club Al-Nassr. In June, the 40-year-old signed a new contract reported to be worth more than $400 million, cementing his place as the highest-paid player in football history.

His initial move to Saudi Arabia from Manchester United in 2023 had already stunned the footballing world, bringing him an annual salary of £177 million ($358 million) plus bonuses and a reported 15 percent share in the club.

Bloomberg noted that while Ronaldo's career earnings had already been vast, more than $550m in salary between 2002 and 2023, a decade-long Nike deal worth nearly $18m a year, and endorsements with Armani, Castrol and others adding another $175 million - it was his Saudi switch that propelled him into global mega-money territory.

His inclusion on the index places him alongside sporting icons such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Tiger Woods and Roger Federer. Argentina's Lionel Messi, his long-time rival, has earned more than $600 million in pre-tax salary but has yet to cross the billion-dollar threshold.

Speaking at the Portugal Football Globes gala this week, Ronaldo said retirement was not on his mind.

"I still have a passion for this. I know I don't have many years left to play, but the few I have left, I have to enjoy to the fullest," he said.

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