For a brief period on Tuesday, it appeared that Egypt was poised to achieve a monumental upset at the World Cup. The Pharaohs were leading 2-0 against Argentina, the reigning world champions, and goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir had previously saved a penalty kick from Lionel Messi. However, in a stunning turn of events during the second half, Argentina launched a remarkable comeback, scoring three goals in just 13 minutes and securing their place in the quarter-finals, thus ending Egypt’s inspiring run.
The captivating match shifted from a moment of triumph for the Egyptians to one of heartbreak and anger, as many fans expressed frustration over what they perceived as favorable refereeing decisions for Argentina. Nevertheless, amidst the disappointment was a burgeoning sense of pride. Upon returning to their hotel in Atlanta, the Egyptian team was met by a throng of supporters who had gathered to express their appreciation. It was an emotional reunion, with players standing in unison to applaud their fans, creating a poignant reminder that, despite the painful conclusion, this team had provided Egyptians with their first taste of collective joy in 15 years, dating back to the 2011 revolution.
In recent years, Egypt has faced one of the most severe economic crises in its history. A burgeoning debt, exacerbated by the government’s extravagant spending on mega-projects, has led to rampant inflation, chronic foreign currency shortages, and a declining national currency against the dollar. Ordinary Egyptians have felt the harsh impact of these economic woes. With wages failing to keep pace with soaring prices, the cost of basic necessities has become increasingly prohibitive, straining family budgets. More than 70% of Egypt’s 118 million residents rely on a government bread subsidy program, making it the largest food assistance initiative in the Middle East and North Africa.
With little hope on the horizon, many Egyptians, including myself, have traditionally turned to football for fleeting moments of happiness.
Egypt’s Football Legacy
Egypt boasts a rich footballing heritage, being one of the founding members of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and winning the inaugural tournament in 1957. Emerging from the Suez crisis, the country’s victory symbolized a newly independent Africa. Egypt has claimed the Afcon title a record seven times, although they have not triumphed since the Arab Spring, the year Mohamed Salah made his debut for the national team.
In February 2012, riots erupted following a Premier League match between Cairo’s Al Ahly, the continent’s most successful club, and Al Masry in Port Said. The tragic event resulted in 74 fatalities and over 500 injuries, with many victims suffering horrific fates. Officials’ failure to open stadium gates trapped fans inside, leading to a stampede. A parliamentary inquiry pointed fingers at both fans and police negligence. In response to this tragedy, the government suspended the league for two years, severely impacting the national team.
Since the revolution, Egypt has reached the Afcon final twice, in 2017 and 2021. The country hosted the tournament in 2019, but suffered a shocking last-16 defeat to South Africa amid controversy, including allegations of sexual harassment against forward Amr Warda. Two years later, the Pharaohs, led by Salah, fell to Sadio Mané’s Senegal in a penalty shootout final.
A Historic World Cup Performance
Egypt’s World Cup history has also been a source of disappointment for fans. Although the nation participated in the tournament as early as 1934, the team had not won a World Cup match until last month, when they triumphed over New Zealand. This achievement highlights the remarkable nature of the current team, which navigated the group stage without a loss and advanced to the knockout rounds for the first time.
More significantly, this squad provided the nation with a rare opportunity to unite in celebration. They sparked joy through exuberant displays, dancing with supporters in the streets following matches, with Salah joyfully singing along with a boombox, reinforcing the notion that this journey was never solely about football. As one of only two teams, alongside Morocco, to reach the last 16 from outside Europe and the Americas, Egypt represented the aspirations of diverse populations across Africa and the Arab world. In Libya, crowds gathered in Martyrs’ Square in Tripoli, singing Egyptian songs and waving flags after Egypt’s victory over Australia in penalties. In Lebanon, celebrations erupted in the streets, with Lebanese and Egyptian flags hoisted high as revelers danced and celebrated.
The Egyptian Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza organized public viewing parties for displaced Palestinian families to watch Egypt’s matches. They provided screens, seating, and electricity in areas like Gaza City, offering a rare moment of distraction. Children donned Egyptian flags while crowds cheered for Salah and the national team. In their eyes, Egypt’s triumphs became their own. Tragically, the director of the committee, Mohammed Fawaz al-Wahidi, was killed in an Israeli strike just hours after Egypt faced Argentina.
Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, proudly displayed the Palestinian flag at Dallas Stadium after the victory against Australia. He stated, “I’m dedicating this victory to the Egyptian people and Palestinian people, those kind and honourable people,”
Reflections on a Historic Journey
The performance against Argentina solidified Egypt’s transformation from a team previously mired in mediocrity to a talented squad capable of competing with the world’s best.
Following the loss, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) issued a statement thanking the public for their “unwavering support, loyalty and belief” throughout the tournament, which served as “a source of immense pride and motivation” They noted that the players’ performances “had reflected the spirit and character of our nation” The EFA also expressed its intent to address the controversial refereeing decisions witnessed during the match.
While Egypt’s success does not erase the nation’s political and socio-economic struggles, the unity and joy experienced across the streets were remarkable to observe. For a fleeting moment, millions of Egyptians discovered commonality in hope, celebration, and national identity.
At last, Egypt had broken the curse of the Pharaohs.
