Video: Egyptians give Pharaohs hero’s welcome after heartbreaking 3-2 World Cup exit
Abdullateef Fowewe
Thousands of jubilant fans turned out across Cairo and other cities to greet Egypt’s national football team on Friday after the Pharaohs were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a dramatic Round of 16 defeat to Argentina.
Video footage of the homecoming shows a red double-decker bus emblazoned with the word “EGYPT” rolling slowly through packed avenues as supporters pressed against barricades, waved flags and chanted the players’ names. .
Police escorts and motorcades threaded through the crowds, while motorcycles and cars trailed the bus. In several coastal areas, enthusiasts even launched paragliders and flew large Egyptian flags above highways and waterfronts in a vivid display of national pride.
The reception followed Egypt’s 3-2 loss to defending champions Argentina on July 7 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Egypt had stunned the football world by taking a 2-0 lead through Yasser Ibrahim (15’) and Mostafa Zico (67’), only for Argentina to produce a late fightback with goals from Cristian Romero (79’), Lionel Messi (83’) and Enzo Fernández (90’+2’).
Supporters and pundits alike hailed Egypt’s run to the Round of 16 — including a group-stage exit avoided after beating Australia on penalties in the Round of 32 as a triumph of effort and national representation, even as the loss deprived the country of a deeper World Cup run.
Many fans who greeted the team on Friday said the welcome was for the players’ bravery and the unity they inspired, not for the result.
