Egypt’s nationwide soccer group trip on a bus as they’re welcomed by followers at El Alamein Worldwide Airport upon their return from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, forward of an official reception by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in El Dabaa, Egypt, July 10, 2026. — Reuters
Waving flags, singing patriotic songs and carrying banners proclaiming “Egypt’s men made us proud”, 1000’s of supporters welcomed Egypt’s nationwide soccer group residence on Friday after the Pharaohs produced the best World Cup marketing campaign within the nation’s historical past.
Crowds gathered exterior Alamein Worldwide Airport on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast to greet the gamers and training employees after their return from North America, the place Egypt received on the World Cup for the primary time in 4 makes an attempt and reached the final 16. Followers additionally held photos of captain Mohamed Salah bearing the phrases “Thank you”.
The celebrations continued because the squad boarded an open-top bus and paraded via New Alamein, waving to cheering supporters lining the streets. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is because of obtain the group and its technical and administrative employees on Saturday.
Among the many crowds have been supporters carrying massive posters of coach Hossam Hassan draped in a Palestinian flag, reflecting appreciation for his assist of the Palestinian trigger through the event. Egypt’s all-time main scorer carried a Palestinian flag on the pitch on a number of events and voiced assist for Palestinian rights throughout press conferences.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah appears on the crowd from a bus as Egypt’s nationwide group is welcomed by followers at El Alamein Worldwide Airport upon its return from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, forward of an official reception by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in El Dabaa, Egypt, July 10, 2026. — Reuters
The homecoming got here regardless of a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat by Lionel Messi’s Argentina within the final 16. Egypt led 2-0 till the closing levels earlier than conceding three targets within the last 11 minutes, however nonetheless returned residence with satisfaction after its best-ever World Cup run, having overwhelmed New Zealand within the group stage and Australia on penalties within the spherical of 32.
Earlier than the group’s return, the Egyptian Soccer Affiliation renewed the contracts of Hossam Hassan and his twin brother Ibrahim Hassan. The federation didn’t disclose the size of the deal, although native media reported it will run till 2030.
Hassan, 59, has revitalised the nationwide facet since taking cost in 2024, main Egypt to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, ending an eight-year World Cup absence and compiling a file of 20 wins, 9 attracts and 6 defeats.
