On Saturday, Egypt’s national football team was met with a royal reception by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who recognized the players and coaches for their remarkable efforts in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On July 11, the Egyptian team, including its technical and administrative staff, met President Sisi in Alamein, a city on Egypt’s coast. The event marked a World Cup campaign that had attracted the attention of millions of Egyptian and Arab football fans.
In the event, President Sisi presented the players and staff with the Presidential Merit Cup and honorary decorations and applauded them for their discipline, determination, and outstanding technical level during the competition. The reception was also attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, the Egyptian Football Association President Hany Abu Rida, and Youth and Sports Minister Gouhar Nabil.
President Sisi commended the Egyptian national football team for the country’s pride and for gaining international respect. He said it is important to remember that success in football is not just about the final score but also about the effort and determination put in and the way the game is played.
The World Cup excitement in Egypt also sparked the excitement of the fans at home and in Egyptian communities around the world. The team’s spirited performances and team spirit brought the nation pride even after their tour ended.
The Egyptian president also called for investment in the future of football through the identification of young players in the country. He urged for talent scouts who are independent and professional to identify new talent and give them the right development opportunities.
President Sisi has stated that the Egyptian state is ready to assist talented and promising footballers, as well as fortify the national coaching system and develop a new generation that can help further the team’s success.
The president attended the awards ceremony and then had lunch with the players and the staff, where he was able to hear from several members of the squad. The players expressed their appreciation for his recognition and vowed to strive for further success.
Overall, the ceremony was a powerful reminder that the 2026 World Cup campaign in Egypt was not just a sport but a symbol of unity, resilience, and hope for the future.
