Heroes’ Welcome for Egypt Despite Heartbreaking World Cup Exit

Egypt's World Cup journey ended in heartbreaking fashion after surrendering a 2-0 lead against Argentina in the Round of 16, conceding three goals in the final 11 minutes to lose 3-2. But the dramatic defeat has done little to diminish the team's achievement in the eyes of their fans, who welcomed the history-making squad home as national heroes.

After returning from North America on Friday, thousands of supporters gathered outside El Alamein International Airport waving Egyptian flags to greet the players and coaching staff. Fans sang patriotic songs and held banners reading, "Egypt's boys made us proud." Many also carried posters of captain Mohamed Salah bearing the message, "Thank You."

The squad was then taken on an open-top bus parade through New Alamein City, where thousands lined the streets, applauding and waving as the players passed by. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is scheduled to host a reception for the players, coaching staff and officials on Saturday in recognition of their historic campaign.

Large portraits of head coach Hossam Hassan were also visible among the crowds, with several decorated with Palestinian flags. Throughout the tournament, Egypt's all-time leading scorer had repeatedly shown solidarity with Palestine by carrying the Palestinian flag on the pitch and reiterating his support during press conferences.

Although Egypt's World Cup ended with a 3-2 defeat to Lionel Messi's Argentina in the last 16, the tournament marked the country's greatest-ever performance on football's biggest stage.

The Pharaohs celebrated their first-ever World Cup victory by defeating New Zealand in the group stage before overcoming Australia in a penalty shootout in the Round of 32 to reach the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

Even before the team returned home, the Egyptian Football Association renewed the contracts of Hossam Hassan and his twin brother, Ibrahim Hassan. While the federation did not disclose the duration of the new deal, local media reports suggest the pair will remain in charge until 2030.

Since taking over in 2024, the 59-year-old Hossam Hassan has guided Egypt to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and ended the country's eight-year absence from the World Cup. Under his leadership, Egypt have recorded 20 wins, nine draws and just six defeats in 35 matches.

MMR