The Egyptian national team has written one of the most beautiful pages in its footballing history, after successfully reaching the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time, following a deserved victory over Australia on penalties (4-2), after the match ended 1-1 at the end of normal and extra time — a contest that embodied the spirit of determination and resolve that defined the Pharaohs throughout the encounter.
This qualification was more than just a match victory; it is a historic achievement that brought joy to every Egyptian household, with its echoes spreading across the Arab world, as cities and squares transformed into spontaneous scenes of celebration, expressing pride in what the fraternal national team delivered — proving that belief in one's abilities and collective effort can produce miracles.
Egypt's players delivered a heroic performance, marked by tactical discipline and a fighting spirit, before composedly settling the contest in the penalty shootout, heralding the dawn of a new era in Egyptian football history, under the twin leadership of Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan, who have succeeded in building a team that believes in its own chances and knows no surrender.
The Egyptian national team now faces a heavyweight test when it meets Argentina, the defending champions, on 7 July at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in a match that will capture the attention of football fans around the world. Despite the difficulty of the task, what the Egyptian team has shown so far confirms that it is capable of competing with the giants, and that it will not be a ceremonial guest in the knockout rounds.
The hearts of all Arab fans were with the Egyptian team from the opening whistle to the decisive moment, making the victory a thoroughly Arab celebration and a message affirming that Arab football continues to develop and is capable of competing with the world's strongest national teams.
We congratulate Egypt — its leadership and its people — on this historic achievement, and salute the heroes of the national team who have revived the storied glory of Egyptian football and written an epic that will live forever in the memory of the World Cup. All best wishes that the Pharaohs continue their journey with confidence and ambition against Argentina, adding a new chapter of footballing brilliance that fills every Arab heart with pride — and God is the guide to what is right.