For nearly 15 minutes on Tuesday, it appeared that Egypt was on the verge of achieving one of the most remarkable upsets in World Cup history. The Pharaohs held a 2-0 lead against Argentina, the reigning champions, with goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir having made a crucial penalty save against Lionel Messi. However, as the second half progressed, Argentina mounted a stunning comeback, scoring three goals in just 13 minutes to secure a place in the quarter-finals and end Egypt’s inspiring tournament run.
This dramatic encounter quickly shifted the narrative from jubilation to heartbreak, leading to widespread frustration over what many perceived as biased officiating in favor of Argentina. Yet, amidst this disappointment, there was an undeniable sense of pride. Upon returning to their hotel in Atlanta, the Egyptian team was met by throngs of fans who came to express their admiration. The reception was filled with emotion, as players and supporters shared a moment of gratitude, symbolizing that despite the painful conclusion, this squad had offered Egyptians their first taste of collective joy in 15 years, a period stretching back to the 2011 revolution.
In recent years, Egypt has faced one of its most severe economic crises, marked by a soaring debt load exacerbated by government spending on large-scale projects. This has led to rampant inflation, persistent foreign currency shortages, and a depreciating national currency. As wages have struggled to keep pace with rising costs, many Egyptians find basic necessities increasingly unaffordable. Over 70% of Egypt’s 118 million citizens rely on the government’s bread subsidy program, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.
Faced with bleak prospects, many Egyptians turn to football for fleeting moments of happiness.
Egypt boasts a rich footballing heritage, being one of the original members of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and the inaugural champions in 1957. Emerging from the Suez Crisis, the nation’s triumph served as a powerful symbol of newfound independence for a developing Africa. With a record seven Afcon titles, their last victory came before the Arab Spring, the year Mohamed Salah first joined the national team.
In February 2012, a tragedy struck during a Premier League match between Cairo’s Al Ahly and Al Masry in Port Said, resulting in 74 deaths and over 500 injuries due to violence and a subsequent stampede. This led to a two-year suspension of the league, severely impacting the national team.
Since the revolution, Egypt has reached the Afcon finals twice, in 2017 and 2021. The nation hosted the tournament in 2019 but faced a shocking last-16 exit against South Africa, overshadowed by allegations of misconduct against player Amr Warda. Two years later, the Pharaohs, led by Salah, lost the final to Senegal in a penalty shootout.
Moreover, Egypt’s World Cup history has been a disappointment for many fans. Although they have participated since 1934, the team had never won a World Cup match until last month, when they triumphed over New Zealand. This remarkable achievement allowed them to navigate the group stage unbeaten and advance to the last 16 for the first time.
More significantly, this team provided the nation with a rare occasion to celebrate together. Their joy was infectious as they danced with fans after matches and Salah led sing-alongs with a boombox, reminding everyone that for Egypt, this transcended mere football. As one of only two teams, alongside Morocco, to progress to the last 16 from outside Europe and the Americas, Egypt became a symbol of hope for many across Africa and the Arab world. In Libya, jubilant crowds gathered at Martyrs’ Square in Tripoli, singing Egyptian songs and waving flags after Egypt’s penalty win against Australia. In Lebanon, celebrations erupted in the streets, with people dancing and displaying both Lebanese and Egyptian flags.
The Egyptian Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza organized public viewings for displaced Palestinian families to watch Egypt’s matches. They provided screens, seating, and electricity in places like Gaza City, creating a rare moment of distraction. Children wrapped themselves in Egyptian flags, as crowds cheered for Salah and the national team. In their eyes, Egypt’s victories were also their victories. Tragically, the director of the committee, Mohammed Fawaz al-Wahidi, was killed in an Israeli strike just hours after Egypt faced Argentina.
After Egypt’s victory over Australia, coach Hossam Hassan held the Palestinian flag at Dallas Stadium, declaring, “I’m dedicating this victory to the Egyptian people and Palestinian people, those kind and honourable people,”
The subsequent performance against Argentina solidified Egypt’s evolution from a team previously mired in mediocrity to an inspiring force capable of competing with the best.
Following the loss, Egypt’s football federation (EFA) issued a statement expressing gratitude to the Egyptian people for their “unwavering support, loyalty and belief” throughout the tournament, describing it as “a source of immense pride and motivation” They noted that the players’ performances “had reflected the spirit and character of our nation” and pledged not to “remain silent regarding the refereeing decisions witnessed during the match”
While Egypt’s success does not erase the nation’s political and socioeconomic struggles, the unity and collective joy witnessed on the streets have been extraordinary. For a fleeting moment, millions of Egyptians found common ground through hope, celebration, and national identity.
In that brief period, Egypt had finally shaken off the curse of the Pharaohs.
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