ST PETERSBURG: Egypt coach Hector Cuper admitted that Monday’s final Group A game in the 2018 World Cup against Saudi Arabia is almost certain to be a matter of regional pride and not much else.
The North Africans sank to a second consecutive defeat on Tuesday, losing 3-1 to hosts Russia in Saint Petersburg. Following a painful last-minute loss to Uruguay in the opening game, it leaves Egypt stuck on zero points and facing early elimination.
Now the focus is on the all-Arabian clash against their regional rivals in Volgograd.
“We still have a game to play against Saudi Arabia and we will give our all in that game but our chances (of going to the second round) are minimal,” Cuper said. “It is important we perform well in that game and get the right result.”
The Spaniard has faced questions from the Egyptian media as to whether he will still be in the hotseat after a disappointing time in Russia. He intends to see out the tournament.
“I hope to continue as coach but that is a decision that does not depend on me. If those responsible want to me leave then that is what I will do.”
Mistakes at crucial times in the two games have cost Egypt. After losing 1-0 to Uruguay, the Pharaohs were solid against Russia, who had defeated Saudi Arabia 5-0 five days previously in Group A, in the first half.
Three goals in the first 20 minutes of the second half virtually ended Egypt’s World Cup.
Cuper was happy with the team’s defensive performance in the first half but was left to lament the first period after the restart.
“The game lasted 94 minutes and we had a very bad 15 minutes early in the second half and that is why we lost,” said the Argentine. “It wasn’t a lack of concentration but we did make mistakes. We lacked a little luck to get the ball into the net. I am happy with what we have done but you have to make the most of your goalscoring opportunities.”
Saudi Arabia will have to deal with a fully fit Mohamed Salah.
The Liverpool forward, who scored 44 goals in the 2017-18 season for Liverpool, scored Egypt’s only goal in his first appearance since sustaining an injury against Real Madrid in the Uefa Champions League final in late May.
“Of course, we would have preferred if he had not been injured but it would have been especially good if he had been able to train with the team for the three weeks we had at the same intensity as the other players. We missed that."
Cuper said Salah is desperate to play as much as possible in the World Cup. “I was told by the medical staff that the player was good and felt good. It may have been different if he had been fit for the World Cup but we will never know.
“We have played well mostly, apart from short periods when we have made mistakes The players have given everything and I can’t complain about their effort and this has been a great experience for them. There is still a game to go however and that is now what we have to think about.”
Even Mohamed Salah can’t stop Egypt from spiralling out of World Cup
Even Mohamed Salah can’t stop Egypt from spiralling out of World Cup
- Liverpool star is now fit but game against Saudi Arabia will be a dead rubber
- Question marks over future of coach Hector Cuper
World’s top 20 confirmed for Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
- Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and defending champion Mirra Andreeva headline the 26th premier women’s tournament
- WTA 1000 event runs from Feb. 15-21, followed by the 34th ATP 500 tournament from Feb. 23-28
DUBAI: The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships returns in 2026 with one of the strongest WTA 1000 line-ups in its history, featuring all of the world’s top 20 players for the Women’s Week from Feb. 15-21.
The 2026 field features a complete set of top-ranked stars, including World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, World No. 3 Coco Gauff, and World No. 4 Amanda Anisimova, alongside Elena Rybakina (No. 5), Jessica Pegula (No. 6), Jasmine Paolini (No. 7), 2025 champion Mirra Andreeva (No. 8), Madison Keys (No. 9) and Belinda Bencic (No. 10).
Leading the charge is Sabalenka, who returns to Dubai after a standout 2025 season highlighted by her US Open triumph, where the Belarusian claimed her fourth career Grand Slam title and secured a second consecutive win in New York. Reinforcing her position at the top of the women’s game, Sabalenka has started the 2026 season in fine form by retaining her title at the Brisbane International without dropping a set.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek also returns following another exceptional season in which the Polish star captured the 2025 Wimbledon title and reached multiple WTA 1000 finals, finishing the year with one of the highest win percentages on tour.
Joining them is Gauff, who enjoyed a defining 2025 campaign with her French Open victory, the second Grand Slam title of her career and first on clay. The American 21-year-old also added a Masters 1000 trophy in Cincinnati and reached the semi-finals of both the Australian Open and US Open grand slams, closing the year inside the top three for the first time.
Defending champion Andreeva had a breakthrough season in 2025, which saw her secure a historic triumph in Dubai, making her the youngest WTA 1000 champion in history. The 18-year-old Russian followed that success with two Grand Slam quarter-finals and a rapid rise into the world’s top 15. She arrives in Dubai looking to defend the title that launched her onto the global stage.
“We are delighted to welcome all of the top 20 women’s players once again,” said Ramesh Cidambi, managing director of Dubai Duty Free and chairman of the organising committee. “The depth of talent committed for 2026 reflects the status of this event on the global tennis calendar. Dubai has become an essential stop for the world’s best players, and we look forward to another exceptional week of world-class tennis.”
The line-up also includes talents such as World No. 12 and two-time Dubai champion Elina Svitolina, as well as Canada’s World No. 17 Victoria Mboko, whose breakthrough performances propelled her into the world’s top 20 for the first time. Their presence adds further depth to a roster that cements Dubai’s position as one of the most competitive stops on the WTA calendar.
Salah Tahlak, tournament director and deputy managing director of Dubai Duty Free, said of the line-up: “Women’s tennis continues to set new standards for competitiveness and quality. With the top 20 players confirmed, spectators can expect compelling matches from the opening day. Each year our WTA event delivers incredible moments, and 2026 promises to be no different.”
The 2026 Championships will run back-to-back once again, with the women’s WTA 1000 event from Feb. 15-21 and the men’s ATP 500 tournament from Feb. 23-28.
