Egypt has officially expressed its desire to host one of the group matches of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia. This statement was made by Hani Abu Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Association, during the General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held in Cairo.

Speaking directly to Gianni Infantino, the president of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), Mr. Rida expressed his hope that Egypt would be granted this honor to celebrate its centenary as a footballing nation in 2034. "We hope that the body will grant us, on the occasion of our centenary in 2034, the honor of hosting and organizing one of the groups of the 2034 World Cup, as Africans and Egyptians," he said.

Indeed, Egypt, whose national team is nicknamed the Pharaohs, has a rich history in football. It was the first African nation to participate in a FIFA World Cup, in Italy in 1934. The idea of hosting matches at the 2034 World Cup would be a symbolic way to celebrate this historical legacy.

Hani Abu Rida also expressed his support for Saudi Arabia, saying the kingdom "will be fully capable of hosting a historic edition of the World Cup" while wishing it "every success" for this major event.