In the 2026 MEC World Cup quarter-finals, the Egyptian team was defeated by Argentina with a score of 2-3, failing to advance to the next round. However, the Egyptian team has set a record during this World Cup, as they have made it to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.
According to a report by the Associated Press on July 10th, Egyptian national team players returned to their country by plane that day. They were given a hero-like welcome at Al Amman International Airport. Egyptian President Sisi also posted a message on social media, expressing gratitude for the players' "unprecedented achievements," and stated that he would meet with the national team players in person.
The private plane carrying the Egyptian national team players landed at Al-Armam Airport, and they received the highest level of hospitality, including being allowed to pass through the security gate without further scrutiny. Thousands of Egyptian fans gathered at the airport, holding pictures of the Egyptian star Salah and banners congratulating the team on their historic achievements, welcoming the returning players with cheers.
The Egyptian team's airplane passing through the water gate – video screenshot
Cesse posted on social media, expressing gratitude to the Egyptian team for their outstanding performance at the World Cup, achieving “an unprecedented milestone in Egyptian football history”. It is expected that Cesse will meet with the Egyptian players on the 11th local time.
Egyptian fans warmly welcome national team players back home.
During this World Cup, led by Salah, the Egyptian team qualified with 5 points from 1 win and 2 draws in the group stage. In the round of 16, the Egyptian team defeated Australia with a total score of 5-3 through a penalty shootout, successfully advancing to the quarter-finals. This has set a new record for the best performance by an Egyptian team in the World Cup history.
On July 8th, Beijing time, the Egyptian team lost to the Argentine team in the quarter-finals with a score of 2-3, failing to advance to the semi-finals. After the match, Egypt questioned the refereeing decisions and accused the referee of making 'unfair' judgments. The Egyptian Football Federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA, requesting an explanation for the related rulings.
FIFA Chief Referee Corina said on the 9th that Argentina's two controversial key decisions in the match against Egypt were correct. In her statement, she said: "Rational and constructive discussions about decisions are part of football, but baseless accusations should never be made."
