Hundreds of supporters gathered in El-Alamein on Friday to welcome Egypt’s national football team following the country’s best-ever performance at the 2026 World Cup. The Pharaohs’ run concluded in the last 16 with a narrow 3-2 loss to Argentina, the defending champions, in a match that captivated fans both in Egypt and abroad.

Fans dressed in the national colors of red, white, and black filled the airport grounds, creating a festive atmosphere as the team arrived. The players later embarked on an open-top bus parade through the coastal city, greeted by enthusiastic crowds waving Egyptian flags alongside Palestinian flags in a show of solidarity with Gaza. Among the supporters, many wore shirts featuring the name of team captain and former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who played a key role throughout the tournament.

Egypt marked several historic milestones during this World Cup. The team secured its first-ever World Cup victory, overcoming Australia in a penalty shootout, and advanced to the last 16 stage for the first time in the country’s history. In their final match, Egypt built a strong lead of 2-0 against Argentina, only to see the reigning champions mount a late comeback with three goals in the closing minutes.

Despite the dramatic loss, fans maintained a celebratory mood. Supporters danced to the sound of drums, sang patriotic songs, and displayed banners with messages of pride and encouragement. “You made us proud, men,” one banner read, reflecting the national sentiment.

Supporters expressed admiration for the team’s spirit and progress. Mohamed Gehad, who traveled to the airport to greet the players, described the mood as very positive. “Their spirit was high, and ours is high as we welcome them,” he said. Another fan, Eyad Ahmed, highlighted the significance of the achievement: “They reached a stage they had never reached before and we are proud of them.”

The team’s head coach, Hossam Hossan, was also recognized by supporters. During the tournament, an image of Hossan draping himself with both the Egyptian and Palestinian flags became a symbol of unity for many fans.

Egypt’s World Cup journey, while ending just short of the quarterfinals, is being celebrated as a landmark achievement and a source of national pride ahead of future international competitions.