Egypt receive rousing welcome after historic World Cup run

CAIRO: Thousands of supporters turned out on Friday to welcome Egypt’s national football team after the side completed what was described as the country’s best-ever World Cup campaign.

Fans gathered outside Alamein International Airport on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast as the squad and coaching staff returned from North America. Supporters waved flags, sang patriotic songs and carried banners praising the team, while some held pictures of captain Mohamed Salah bearing the words Thank you.

The celebrations then moved into New Alamein, where the players travelled on an open-top bus and waved to crowds lining the streets. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is scheduled to receive the team along with its technical and administrative staff on Saturday.

Among those in the crowd were supporters carrying large posters of coach Hossam Hassan draped in a Palestinian flag, reflecting appreciation for his backing of the Palestinian cause during the tournament. Hassan, Egypt’s all-time leading scorer, carried a Palestinian flag on the pitch several times and also voiced support for Palestinian rights during press conferences.

Last-16 exit did not dim celebrations

The team returned home despite a painful 3-2 defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the last 16. Egypt had been 2-0 ahead until late in the match before conceding three times in the final 11 minutes.

Even so, the side’s run was widely celebrated after Egypt recorded its first World Cup win in four appearances and advanced to the last 16. During the tournament, Egypt beat New Zealand in the group stage and then overcame Australia on penalties in the round of 32.

Federation renews Hassan brothers’ contracts

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 agreements, although local media reported that the deals would run until 2030.

Hossam Hassan, 59, has been credited with reviving the national team 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.