Ethiopia’s dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended following back to back defeats in the latest qualification window.
The Walias traveled to Cairo and Monrovia for their Group A seventh and eighth matches, holding on to slim hopes of qualification. However, the team failed to collect a single point, confirming their elimination.
Ethiopia, who had collected six points from six matches to sit fourth in Group A, faced Egypt in Cairo on Friday. As the Walias fell 2-0 they struggling to create chances throughout the match. Goalkeeper Abubeker Nura was the standout performer producing a string of fine saves to prevent a heavier defeat. His performance drew admiration despite Ethiopia’s poor overall display.
The match was marred by controversy as Egyptian supporters disrupt Ethiopian national anthem and targeted players with laser pointers during key moments. The Ethiopian Football Federation has since filed an official complaint to FIFA over the incidents. The tension was further fueled by the ongoing diplomatic dispute between the two nations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), adding political undertones to the encounter.
Ethiopia’s eighth qualifier came today against Sierra Leone at Samuel Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. A neutral venue as Sierra Leone lacks a CAF approved stadium.
Despite expectations of a tactical make-up from coach Mesay Teferi, the team once again faltered. Poor organization and lack of creativity led to another 2-0 defeat. The Walias struggled particularly in the first half offering little in attack.
With these results, Ethiopia’s elimination from World Cup contention is now mathematically confirmed. Their upcoming fixtures in October against Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso will only serve as formality.
