2026 World Cup: Egypt’s full journey

Direct qualification as the Pharaohs reach the round of 16 for the first time since 1934

Africa 08 July 2026 at 11:00

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2026 World Cup: Egypt’s full journey

A look back at Egypt’s journey through the 2026 World Cup, highlighted by a historic first victory and a heroic elimination at the hands of Argentina.

Drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, the Pharaohs clinched their very first World Cup victory—92 years after making their competition debut. They finished second in the group with 4 points, securing direct qualification to the tournament’s knockout stage.

Belgium 1 - 1 Egypt (Hany 66th og ; Ashour 19th)
New Zealand 1 - 3 Egypt (Surman 15th ; Ziko 58th, Salah 67th, Trezeguet 82nd)
Egypt 1 - 1 Iran (Saber 5th ; Rezaeian 14th)

A historic qualification for the last 16, then a stunning run halted by Argentina

After defeating Australia on penalties in the round of 32 (1-1, 4-2 on pens), the Pharaohs played their first round of 16 match since 1934. Trailing 2-0, they pushed the reigning world champions to the very end before conceding in stoppage time:

Argentina 3 - 2 Egypt (Ibrahim 15th, Ziko 67th for Egypt; Romero 79th, Messi 83rd, E. Fernández 90+2 for Argentina)