Egypt celebrate historic World Cup run after team returns home

CAIRO: Thousands of supporters turned out on Friday to welcome Egypt's national football team home after what was described as the country's most successful World Cup campaign.

Fans gathered outside Alamein International Airport on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, waving flags, singing patriotic songs and carrying banners in tribute to the team. Some held signs reading “Egypt's men made us proud” while others carried pictures of captain Mohamed Salah with the wordS “Thank you”.

After arriving from North America, the players and coaching staff travelled on an open-top bus through New Alamein, greeting crowds who lined the route. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is scheduled to receive the squad, along with its technical and administrative staff, on Saturday.

Egypt returned despite a 3-2 loss to Lionel Messi's Argentina in the last 16. The team had been 2-0 ahead until the closing stages before conceding three times in the final 11 minutes. Even so, the side came back to a celebratory reception after registering Egypt's first World Cup win in four appearances and reaching the last 16 for the first time. During the tournament, Egypt beat New Zealand in the group stage and then overcame Australia on penalties in the round of 32.

Among the supporters were fans carrying large posters of coach Hossam Hassan draped in a Palestinian flag, reflecting appreciation for his backing of the Palestinian cause during the tournament. The former Egypt striker, who is the country's all-time leading scorer, carried a Palestinian flag on the pitch on several occasions and also voiced support for Palestinian rights during press conferences.

Before the team's return, the Egyptian Football Association renewed the contracts of Hossam Hassan and his twin brother Ibrahim Hassan. The federation did not announce the duration of the new agreement, although local media reported that it would run until 2030.

Hossam Hassan, 59, has overseen a revival since taking charge in 2024. Under him, Egypt reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, ended an eight-year absence from the World Cup and compiled a record of 20 wins, nine draws and six defeats.