Tens of thousands of people gathered at Cairo Airport, as well as on the capital’s main streets, for a hero’s welcome for the Egyptian national team following its World Cup campaign.
The “Pharaohs” returned home after being eliminated by Argentina in the Round of 16, having achieved their best-ever performance in World Cup history.
Among the crowd were fans holding large posters of coach Hossam Hassan alongside a Palestinian flag. Egypt’s all-time leading scorer has brought a Palestinian flag onto the field on several occasions and has expressed his support for Palestinian rightsduring press conferences.
The Egyptian Football Association moved quickly, immediately after the team’s World Cup campaign ended, to renew the contracts of Hossam Hassan and his twin brother and partner Ibrahim (both of whom have played for PAOK), through 2030.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is expected to welcome the team and its staff on Saturday.
You’ve honored us, heroes… A grand welcome for the national team #ThankYouHeroes #2026WorldCup
#ON pic.twitter.com/Pb8gnQ3PjG— ON (@ONTVEgy) July 10, 2026
*Photo source: AP
