For a brief moment on Tuesday, Egypt appeared poised to achieve a monumental upset at the World Cup. Leading 2-0 against the reigning champions, Argentina, goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir had even thwarted a penalty from Lionel Messi. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Argentina surged back, netting three goals in just 13 minutes, thus ending Egypt’s inspiring tournament run.
The emotional rollercoaster of the match left many Egyptians heartbroken, particularly over what they viewed as questionable refereeing decisions favoring Argentina. Nevertheless, amidst the disappointment, a sense of pride began to emerge. Upon returning to their hotel in Atlanta, the Egyptian players were met by enthusiastic fans who had gathered to express their appreciation. It was a heartfelt moment, as players stood and applauded, reflecting on how they had given their nation a rare glimpse of joy for the first time in 15 years, since the 2011 revolution.
In recent years, Egypt has grappled with a severe economic crisis, characterized by a rising debt burden from extravagant government projects. This has resulted in rampant inflation, persistent shortages of foreign currency, and a devalued currency against the dollar. Ordinary Egyptians are feeling the squeeze as their wages have not kept pace with the climbing prices of essentials, forcing more than 70% of the 118 million population to depend on a government bread subsidy program, the largest of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.
In light of such challenges, many Egyptians, myself included, have turned to football for a brief escape from reality.
Egypt has a rich football heritage, being one of the founding members of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and claiming the inaugural title in 1957. That victory symbolized a burgeoning Africa, emerging from the Suez crisis, and Egypt has since won the tournament a record seven times, although not since the Arab Spring, the year Mohamed Salah joined the national team.
The nation was rocked by tragedy in February 2012 when riots erupted after a Premier League match in Port Said, resulting in 74 deaths and over 500 injuries. In the wake of this disaster, the government suspended the league for two years, profoundly impacting the national team’s performance.
Since the revolution, Egypt has reached the AFCON final twice, in 2017 and 2021. They hosted the tournament in 2019 but suffered a shocking defeat to South Africa in the last 16, a campaign marred by controversy, including allegations of sexual harassment against forward Amr Warda. Two years later, the team, with Salah as captain, lost to Senegal in a penalty shootout.
Egypt’s World Cup history had also been a source of frustration for fans. Despite competing since 1934, the team had never won a World Cup match until last month, when they triumphed over New Zealand. This year’s squad has been particularly notable, making it through the group stage without a loss and reaching the knockout phase for the first time.
More importantly, they provided the nation with a rare opportunity to unite in celebration. Their infectious spirit was evident as they danced with fans in the streets post-match, with Salah joyfully singing along with a boombox, underscoring that, for Egypt, football transcends the sport itself. As one of only two teams, alongside Morocco, to progress to the last 16 from outside Europe and the Americas, Egypt became a beacon of hope for many across the African continent and the Arab world. In Libya, crowds gathered in Martyrs’ Square, singing Egyptian songs and waving flags after Egypt’s penalty victory over Australia. Similar scenes unfolded in Lebanon, where celebrations erupted in the streets as people raised both Lebanese and Egyptian flags.
The Egyptian Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza organized public viewing parties for displaced Palestinian families to watch Egypt’s matches. They provided screens and seating, creating a rare moment of diversion for families in Gaza City. Children donned Egyptian flags, joining in the cheering for Salah and the team. Their victories felt like shared victories. Tragically, Mohammed Fawaz al-Wahidi, the committee director, was killed in an Israeli strike shortly after Egypt faced Argentina.
Following their win against Australia, Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, held the Palestinian flag at Dallas Stadium, dedicating the victory to both the Egyptian and Palestinian people, calling them “I’m dedicating this victory to the Egyptian people and Palestinian people, those kind and honourable people,”
The match against Argentina solidified Egypt’s evolution from a struggling team to a skilled unit capable of competing with the world’s best.
In the aftermath of the loss, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) issued a statement expressing gratitude to the people for their “unwavering support, loyalty and belief” during the tournament. They described the experience as “a source of immense pride and motivation” emphasizing that the players’ performances reflected the nation’s spirit and character. The EFA also indicated it would address the refereeing decisions observed during the match.
While Egypt’s success does not erase its political or economic challenges, the unprecedented unity and collective joy witnessed across the streets have been remarkable. For a moment, millions of Egyptians found a shared sense of hope, celebration, and national identity.
Finally, Egypt has seemingly broken the long-standing curse of the Pharaohs.
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