'We are proud of you': Egypt's PM hails Pharaohs after historic World Cup run

CAIRO – 8 July 2026: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly praised Egypt's national football team following its historic FIFA World Cup campaign, thanking the players for bringing pride and joy to millions of Egyptians despite their heartbreaking round-of-16 exit to defending champions Argentina.

The Pharaohs bowed out of the tournament after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in a match overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions that drew strong protests from Egyptian officials and the Egyptian Football Association.

Despite the disappointment, Egypt produced its best-ever World Cup performance, reaching the last 16 for the first time in the nation's history and earning widespread praise for its displays throughout the tournament.

"We are proud of you," Madbouly said during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. "We thank you all for the joy and happiness you brought to millions of Egyptians, as well as Arabs, Africans and football fans around the world."

He said the players had overcome numerous challenges to become "an honorable model of Egyptian football," adding that they proved a formidable opponent against the former world champions and earned the respect and admiration of football experts across the globe.

"The Egyptian people are waiting for your return so that we can celebrate together this achievement, this performance and this dedication," Madbouly said.

"We want to express our appreciation for the tremendous efforts you made despite the many challenges you faced in the world's biggest and most-watched sporting event."

The prime minister's remarks came as Egypt prepared to welcome home the national team on Friday morning.