A number of Emirati sportswomen told Al Bayan that Arab football has participated in this edition of the World Cup in an exceptional manner, though most teams failed to perform at their usual level — with the exception of Morocco and Egypt, the Atlas Lions and the Pharaohs, who have both deservedly made history at the tournament. Morocco have reached the quarter-finals for the second time in their World Cup history, while Egypt have qualified for the round of 16 for the first time ever — marking the first occasion on which two Arab nations have simultaneously reached these respective stages in the same edition of the World Cup. The sportswomen called for the story of this achievement to be told not merely out of admiration and applause, but to inspire others to dream and strive toward their goals and fulfil their sporting ambitions on the world stage.
Siham Al Shehhi, an equestrian, said: "Yes, the Egyptian national team has achieved a historic milestone by reaching the round of 16 for the first time in their World Cup history, after clinching their match against Australia on penalties, and the same can be said of the Atlas Lions reaching the quarter-finals on their way to matching their historic achievement from 2022. I am not exaggerating when I say how much capability, potential, and talent both African Arab sides possess, along with their mastery of the most difficult moments in a match, as they continue to represent Arab football with distinction in the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup."
Fatima Al Kaabi, a first-team player at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, noted that while some nations had emerged at the World Cup as inspiring stories of the tournament, Egypt and Morocco arrived with far greater ambitions. She added: "I believe their successful and inspiring progress is thanks to their tactical discipline, high physical fitness, and technical skill. Both teams continue to advance through the tournament with confidence and the spirit of a united side that firmly believes in its ability to achieve a well-deserved successful run."
Fatima Aida Al Ameri, an equestrian and camel racer, pointed out that Egypt's qualification came after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, reaching the round of 16 for the first time in their history and achieving an unprecedented feat since their earliest appearances in the global tournament. She praised Morocco's 3-0 victory over Canada in the round of 16, noting that Morocco had reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup to become the first Arab and African side to achieve that remarkable milestone, and expressed her best wishes to both teams ahead of their upcoming matches.