President El-Sisi congratulates national football team on first-ever World Cup win

CAIRO – 22 June 2026: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi congratulated Egypt's national football team on its historic 3-1 victory over New Zealand in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

"I congratulate the Egyptian national team and the people of our great nation on achieving Egypt's first-ever victory in a World Cup match, with a commendable performance that reflected the determination, willpower, and perseverance of our citizens," President El-Sisi said in a Facebook post minutes after the final whistle.

"This well-deserved win represents a promising beginning for continuing the journey with confidence and ambition, and for raising Egypt's name high on the international stage," he added.

Egypt's golden generation has written its name into the history books. Led by Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs became the first Egyptian team to win a FIFA World Cup match and the first to advance beyond the tournament's group stage.

Egypt defeated New Zealand 3-1 thanks to goals from Ahmed Sayed "Zizo", Mohamed Salah, and Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet". The victory secured Egypt's first-ever FIFA World Cup win and officially booked the Pharaohs' place in the Round of 32.

The achievement is the result of the efforts of the players, coaching staff, and officials of the Egyptian Football Association, who turned a long-held dream into reality and created a legacy that will be remembered for generations. The team's success also brought immense joy to Egyptian fans.

Head coach Hossam Hassan made history as well. He is the only Egyptian to have reached the FIFA World Cup as both a player and a coach, and he has now become the first coach to lead Egypt to a World Cup victory and qualification beyond the group stage.