The international football calendar is set to resume with a series of matches, including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Egypt, led by coach Hossam Hassan, will face crucial matches against Angola and South Sudan. The Pharaohs are in Group Two alongside Angola, Malawi, and South Sudan. Egypt's first match is against Angola on September 25 at 10 pm Cairo time at the Cairo International Stadium.
The Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will feature 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the tournament. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in June 2027. Egypt's second match is against South Sudan on September 29 at 3 pm Cairo time in Juba. The Pharaohs will also play a friendly match against South Africa on October 4 at 9 pm Cairo time.
Other notable matches in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers include Côte d'Ivoire vs Ghana and Tunisia vs Uganda. Tunisia's squad features players familiar to Egyptian football fans, including Ali Maaloul, Ferjani Sassi, and Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan, who have played for Al Ahly and Zamalek. Morocco will face Gabon, while Algeria, Libya, and other teams will also compete.
Lionel Messi is set to play in his farewell matches with Argentina during the international break. Messi announced his retirement from international football, but will participate in a series of matches against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin. The matches will take place in September and October, with the Argentine team paying tribute to Messi's illustrious career.
The European Nations League is also set to resume, featuring top teams from Europe. The competition will be divided into four levels, with the top level featuring teams like France, Italy, Belgium, and Turkey. Notable matches include Netherlands vs Germany and England vs Spain. The competition will take place over several weeks, with teams competing for promotion and relegation.
Egypt will also host the North Africa U-20 Championship, featuring teams from Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya. The tournament will take place in Ismailia, Egypt, and will determine the teams that qualify for the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. Egypt's U-20 team, led by coach Wail Riyad, will face tough competition from the other teams.
The North Africa U-17 Championship will also take place, featuring teams from Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. The tournament will be held in Tunisia and will determine the teams that qualify for the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations. Egypt's U-17 team, led by coach Abd al-Star Sabri, will aim to qualify for the tournament.
Key points
- Egypt to face Angola and South Sudan in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
- Lionel Messi to play farewell matches with Argentina
- European Nations League to resume with top teams competing
