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Thousands of supporters welcomed Egypt’s national football team home on Friday, waving flags, singing patriotic songs, and carrying banners declaring “Egypt’s men made us proud.” The Pharaohs offered the country its finest World Cup campaign in history as crowds gathered outside Alamein International Airport on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast to greet the players and coaching staff after their return from North America. Egypt had achieved its first World Cup win on American soil in four attempts and advanced to the knockout stage, reaching the last 16 for the first time since 1990. Fans held up portraits of captain Mohamed Salah with the message “Thank you,” reflecting the nation’s appreciation for his leadership on and off the pitch.
The celebrations continued as the squad took an open-top bus tour through New Alamein, with supporters lining the streets, cheering and waving as the team saluted the crowds. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was scheduled to receive the team and their technical and administrative staff the following day at the presidential residence. Among the throngs were fans bearing large posters of coach Hossam Hassan, some draped in a Palestinian flag, a gesture underscoring the coach’s visible support for the Palestinian cause during the tournament. Salah himself had carried a Palestinian flag onto the pitch multiple times in the tournament and used press conferences to advocate for Palestinian rights.
Egypt’s homecoming came despite a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the last 16. The Pharaohs had led 2-0 late in the game, only to concede three goals in the final 11 minutes, but their return home was marked by pride in Egypt’s best-ever World Cup run, which included a group-stage victory over New Zealand and a round-of-32 victory against Australia on penalties.
Before the team’s return, the Egyptian Football Association renewed the contracts of Hossam Hassan and his twin brother Ibrahim Hassan. The federation did not disclose the contract length, though local media reported an extension through 2030. Hassan, 59, has revitalized the national squad since taking charge in 2024, guiding Egypt to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, ending an eight-year absence from the World Cup, and compiling a record of 20 wins, nine draws, and six losses.