FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sent an official message to the Egyptian Football Association praising the contribution of former Egypt and Al Ahly defender Wael Gomaa to the 2026 World Cup.
In his formal letter on Monday, Infantino offered Gomaa his sincere congratulations and wished him continued health, happiness and success in both his personal and professional life.
The FIFA president also recognised Gomaa’s distinguished career as a player and administrator, while specifically commending the support and co-operation he provided during the tournament.
Infantino said Gomaa’s efforts had contributed directly to the success of the first World Cup staged under its expanded format, with 48 teams taking part.
The competition was jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. Infantino described it as “the most successful edition in the history of the World Cup”, citing its organisation, attendances and technical standard.
Gomaa, who was born on 3 August 1975, was part of FIFA’s organisational and technical teams during the 2026 tournament. It was the first time the expanded 48-team format had been used at the World Cup.
His involvement came after a playing career that established him as one of the most respected figures in Egyptian football. Gomaa won three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles with Egypt in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
He also collected a substantial number of honours with Al Ahly before moving into football administration. He later became the club’s football director, taking on a senior management role at the Cairo club.
Infantino’s message reflects FIFA’s appreciation for the Egyptian personnel who helped deliver the world’s biggest football event, according to the Egyptian Football Association.
The letter recognised Gomaa’s work both in the context of the expanded World Cup and across a career that has included major achievements with Egypt and Al Ahly.
Gomaa’s international success was built during a dominant period for Egypt, when the national team secured three successive continental titles. His achievements with Al Ahly added to a long list of honours before he moved from the pitch into administration.
The message from Infantino therefore brought together two parts of Gomaa’s football career: his record as an accomplished Egypt international and Al Ahly player, and his more recent work within the organisational and technical structure of FIFA.
It also underlined the role played by Egyptian football figures beyond the national team and domestic club competitions, with FIFA acknowledging their involvement in the staging of the expanded World Cup.
The tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States was the first to feature 48 participating nations. Infantino’s assessment of it as “the most successful edition in the history of the World Cup” included praise for the event’s organisation, the support from spectators and the standard of football.
Gomaa’s participation in FIFA’s teams formed the basis for the president’s recognition, while his achievements with Egypt and Al Ahly provided the wider context for the tribute.
