 |
| How Many AFCON Has Egypt Won |
Discover how many AFCON has Egypt won, the history behind their record success in Africa’s premier international football tournament, and key moments that shaped their dominance.
Egypt’s national football team — known as The Pharaohs — holds a historic place in African football. One question fans often ask is how many AFCON has Egypt won, reflecting on a legacy built over decades of continental competition. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore Egypt’s record Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victories, the context behind each title, the team’s all-time impact on the tournament, and why their achievements remain a benchmark in African soccer.
Egypt’s AFCON Supremacy
When discussing the Africa Cup of Nations, understanding how many AFCON has Egypt won is central to appreciating the nation’s football heritage. With a record number of titles, Egypt stands atop the continent’s football hierarchy, combining early dominance with modern-era success.
This article will break down Egypt’s title wins, iconic eras, memorable finals, and the players who defined each success.
What Is the AFCON?
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Since its inception in 1957, the tournament has provided thrilling competition between the continent’s best teams.
Held initially at irregular intervals, it became a biennial event and now takes place every two years (recently shifting schedules), attracting global attention and showcasing African talent.
How Many AFCON Has Egypt Won?
Egypt has won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times, the most of any country in the competition’s history.
Here’s a quick list of the championships Egypt has secured:
- 1957
- 1959
- 1986
- 1998
- 2006
- 2008
- 2010
This seven-title haul makes Egypt the most successful nation in AFCON history and sets a benchmark other countries aspire to match.
Egypt’s AFCON Titles — Year by Year
Let’s explore each of Egypt’s seven championships to understand the context and significance of their victories.
1. 1957 – Inaugural Champions
Egypt won the very first AFCON in 1957, the inaugural edition of the tournament. It featured a small number of teams, but Egypt established themselves immediately as a dominant force by winning the title.
2. 1959 – Back-to-Back Success
In the first repeat of the competition in 1959, Egypt successfully defended their title, again showing early continental superiority.
3. 1986 – Return to Glory
After a long title drought, Egypt claimed the 1986 championship on home soil in a dramatic final. This victory revitalized the national football narrative and marked Egypt’s return among the continent’s elite.
4. 1998 – A New Era
Egypt’s 1998 AFCON win came as they continued to build a strong international reputation. This championship added to their growing trophy cabinet and affirmed their competitive consistency.
5. 2006 – Beginning of a Dynasty
The 2006 AFCON marked the beginning of one of the most dominant runs in tournament history. Egypt defeated Côte d’Ivoire on penalties in the final, reclaiming the continental crown.
6. 2008 – Back-to-Back Triumphs
Egypt followed up with another title in 2008, showcasing their depth and tactical superiority. This achievement made them one of the few teams to win consecutive AFCON titles.
7. 2010 – Historic Three-Peat
Egypt’s 2010 AFCON victory completed a remarkable three-peat — winning the tournament three consecutive times. No other nation has matched this feat, making it a hallmark of the team’s legacy.
Egypt’s AFCON Record: More Than Just Titles
Egypt’s success isn’t just measured by its titles — their consistent presence and performances in AFCON over decades reflect a deep football culture.
Most Finals Appearances
Alongside their seven titles, Egypt has appeared in 10 AFCON finals, the most of any nation.
Consistent Participation
The Pharaohs have participated in nearly every edition of the tournament since 1957, with 27 appearances through recent editions, illustrating their longstanding competitiveness.
Impactful Records
Egypt holds other notable AFCON records, including:
- Most wins in tournament history
- Most matches played
- Most goals scored
These achievements emphasize Egypt’s comprehensive influence on African football.
What Makes Egypt So Successful in AFCON?
Egypt’s AFCON success is not accidental — it’s rooted in a combination of factors that have made the Pharaohs a perennial powerhouse.
Footballing Culture and Talent
Egypt has a rich footballing culture, with passionate domestic support and strong youth development systems that have produced top-class players over generations.
Tactical Mastery and Coaching
Throughout their history, Egypt has benefited from strategic coaching and tactical innovation, especially during their dominant late-2000s run with coach Hassan Shehata leading the squad to three successive titles.
International Experience
Many Egyptian players have competed in international leagues, bringing valuable experience to the national team — a key advantage in major tournaments.
Legendary Moments in Egypt’s AFCON History
Several moments in Egypt’s AFCON journey stand out as defining:
Historic First Titles (1957 & 1959)
Winning the inaugural AFCON and defending the title cemented Egypt’s early dominance in African football.
Three-peat Glory (2006, 2008, 2010)
This period remains the pinnacle of Egypt’s AFCON success, a testament to team cohesion, exceptional coaching, and generation-defining talent.
Home Soil Wins
Victories on home soil — especially emotionally charged finals — galvanized national pride and inspired future generations.
Egypt’s Place in AFCON History
To better understand how many AFCON has Egypt won, it’s helpful to compare their achievements with other successful African teams:
| Country | AFCON Titles |
|---|---|
| Egypt | 7 |
| Cameroon | 5 |
| Ghana | 4 |
| Nigeria | 3 |
| Senegal | 2 |
| Algeria | 2 |
| Others | 1–3 |
Egypt’s seven titles remain unmatched, highlighting their long-standing continental superiority.
The Modern Era and Future Prospects
Entering the 2020s and 2026 football landscape, Egypt is recognized as a historic force but faces fresh competition from emerging African powers like Senegal and Morocco. Events such as the recent AFCON finals have seen other nations rise, but Egypt’s ambition to add an eighth title remains strong as they continue to compete at the highest levels.
Young Talent and Strategic Plans
Egypt’s football federation has invested in youth development and tactical modernization, aiming to blend experience with emerging stars — a strategy that could drive future success.
Love African football? Stay updated with the latest AFCON stats, match results, and expert analysis by following credible sports outlets like CAF’s official channels and global platforms like BBC Sport and ESPN.
Conclusion
To answer the key question — how many AFCON has Egypt won — the answer is seven titles, more than any other nation in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.
From early championships in the late 1950s to a historic three-peat between 2006 and 2010, Egypt’s AFCON legacy is unmatched. Their record reflects not just moments of glory but a sustained footballing culture that inspires fans across Africa and the world.
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a new fan of African football, understanding Egypt’s AFCON history enriches your appreciation of the beautiful game on the continent.
 ){kind=link}