The Egyptian national team defeated Australia on penalties in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 to reach the last 16 for the first time in its history. The historic achievement was celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country.
Anadolu Agency reporters reported that immediately after the match, fans poured into the streets in many cities, led by Cairo. Squares were adorned with Egyptian flags, chants were sung, and car convoys formed.
In the last 16, Egypt will face the winner of the match between Argentina and Cape Verde, to be played on Saturday morning.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi congratulated the national team in a message, saying, "I congratulate Egypt's sons, the heroes of our national football team, on this historic achievement. You have made us immensely proud by reaching the World Cup last 16 for the first time." Sisi stressed that the players reached this point through faith, team spirit, and determination to win.
Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly also issued a statement praising the team's outstanding performance and fighting spirit.
Egypt became the second Arab country to reach the last 16 in this tournament, after Morocco. Morocco had earlier eliminated the Netherlands on penalties to book their place in the next round.
Intense celebrations took place in the Fifth Settlement district east of Cairo and in the fan zone in the New Administrative Capital. The pyramids in Giza were illuminated with red light in honor of Egypt's historic achievement. The celebrations spread to many governorates, including Alexandria, Gharbia, Menoufia, Beheira, and Matrouh.
