The Egyptian national football team progressed to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-1 draw against Iran on Saturday, prompting widespread celebrations throughout the country, Xinhua reported on June 28, 2026. With five points from three group matches, Egypt finished second in Group G behind Belgium and will next face Australia on July 3. Fans and officials expressed confidence that the squad could advance even further in the expanded tournament.
Xinhua reported that loud cheers echoed from cafes, homes and balconies as the Pharaohs held Iran to the draw, with Mahmoud Saber scoring in the fifth minute. The news agency detailed how residents in districts like Zahraa El Maadi shouted “Goal for Egypt!” from their windows. This qualification marks Egypt’s fourth World Cup appearance, following campaigns in 1934, 1990 and 2018, according to FIFA records. The 2026 edition is the first to feature 48 teams, with the top two from each of 12 groups advancing to the Round of 32 along with eight third-placed teams, FIFA guidelines show.
Sherief Helmy told Xinhua he watched every minute of the match with his family at a cafe in Al-Haram district before celebrating in the streets with his children. “I watched every minute of the match with my family. We couldn’t believe the final whistle,” Helmy said. “We’ve already made history. Now we don’t want to stop here. We want to see Egypt win again,” he added. The fan’s sentiments were echoed by many across the nation as the team secured second place with five points.
Ahmed Yahia, another supporter, praised the team’s performance in remarks to the news agency. “This team has shown courage and determination,” Yahia said. “Now we believe they can go even further.” He added that reaching the knockout stage proved Egyptian players could compete at the highest level.
Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Gohar Nabil congratulated the team in an official statement carried by Xinhua. “You have written your names in golden letters in the history of Egyptian football,” Nabil said. The minister highlighted the players’ determination and noted that the country’s political leadership had provided full support throughout the campaign. He expressed hope that the breakthrough would inspire further achievements in Egyptian sports.
Sports analyst Mahmoud Ali offered his assessment to Xinhua, suggesting the qualification would enhance the team’s morale. “The players have already proved they can compete under pressure,” he said. “This qualification will boost their confidence, and anything is possible in knockout football.” Ali acknowledged that tougher opponents await but pointed to the squad’s tactical discipline as a positive factor.
Egypt has a rich football heritage, having won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times between 1957 and 2010, according to historical records from the Confederation of African Football. The team’s best World Cup result remains the round of 16 achieved in 1934, when it became the first African and Arab side to compete in the tournament, FIFA data shows. As preparations begin for the Australia encounter, millions of Egyptians are anticipated to continue backing the Pharaohs. One fan summed up the mood by telling Xinhua, “Whether this campaign ends in the next round or goes even further, we believe the Pharaohs have already written a chapter that will be remembered for generations.”
