CAIRO: Egypt’s national football team received a spectacular heroes’ welcome on Saturday after returning home from the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they produced the finest campaign in the country’s football history and captured the imagination of millions of fans.
Thousands of jubilant supporters gathered at Alamein International Airport on Egypt’s northern coast to greet the players, waving national flags, singing patriotic songs and holding banners celebrating the team’s remarkable achievements on football’s biggest stage.
The celebrations reflected the pride of a nation that witnessed its team achieve several historic milestones during the tournament. Egypt not only secured its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory, but also advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time, marking an unforgettable chapter in the country’s sporting history.
Much of the attention focused on captain Mohamed Salah, whose leadership and performances inspired the Pharaohs throughout the competition. Fans proudly displayed large portraits of the Liverpool star along with heartfelt messages thanking him for his dedication and commitment to Egyptian football.
After arriving at the airport, the players boarded an open-top bus for a victory parade through the streets of New Alamein, where thousands more supporters lined the roads to cheer their national heroes. Families, children and football enthusiasts filled the streets, creating a carnival-like atmosphere with chants, drums and fireworks as the team acknowledged the overwhelming support.
Although Egypt’s inspiring journey ended with a thrilling 3-2 defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Round of 16, the players returned home with their heads held high. Their fearless performances against some of the world’s strongest teams earned widespread praise from football experts and supporters alike, with many describing the campaign as a turning point for Egyptian football.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is also scheduled to meet the national team and coaching staff in recognition of their outstanding achievement and contribution to the country’s sporting success.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian Football Association announced contract extensions for head coach Hossam Hassan and his twin brother, assistant coach Ibrahim Hassan, rewarding the duo for leading the national team through one of the most successful periods in recent memory.
With renewed confidence, a talented generation of players and continued faith in the coaching staff, Egypt now looks ahead with greater ambition. The historic World Cup campaign has not only united the nation but also raised expectations that the Pharaohs can build on this success and become a consistent force in international football for years to come.
