Despite their knockout-stage exit to Argentina, Egypt’s national football team returned home to a rousing reception, with thousands of fans gathering at El Alamein Airport to celebrate the side’s historic FIFA World Cup journey.
Supporters waved pictures of Mohamed Salah and chanted in support of the team, applauding Egypt’s best-ever World Cup performance despite the heartbreaking defeat.
Egypt reached the Round of 16 for the first time in the country’s history. The team advanced after defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32, with Mohamed Salah playing a pivotal role.
In the knockout stage, Egypt suffered a 3-2 defeat to Argentina. Argentina staged a remarkable comeback by scoring three goals in a 13-minute spell to secure victory.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi praised the team’s performance, saying the players had set a new benchmark in the history of Egyptian football.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Association expressed concerns over several decisions made by the match referee and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Head coach Hossam Hassan and several players also criticised the officiating following the defeat.
It is worth mentioning here that defending champions Argentina fought back from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 and book their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Round of 16 match, played in Atlanta, United States, saw Argentina produce a dramatic second-half comeback after trailing 2-0.
Egypt took the lead in the first half through Yasser Ibrahim. Argentina were then awarded a penalty, but captain Lionel Messi failed to convert as Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier produced an excellent save.
Mustafa Zeko thought he had doubled Egypt’s lead, but his effort was ruled out for a foul. However, he soon found the net again with a well-taken goal to give Egypt a 2-0 advantage.
Argentina began their comeback in the 80th minute when Cristian Romero pulled a goal back. Three minutes later, Messi equalised to make it 2-2 before Enzo Fernández scored the winner in the closing stages to seal a remarkable 3-2 victory. Argentina will face the winners of Tuesday’s Round of 16 match between Colombia and Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Read more: FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina beats Egypt after hard-fought encounter
