Mostafa Shobeir makes World Cup 2026 history

07.07.26 FT World Cup

Argentina

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Egypt

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Mostafa Shobeir has joined an exclusive group of goalkeepers who have achieved a rare feat in World Cup history. It’s a remarkable distinction for the Giza native, who was one of the top performers for his national team during this World Cup 2026.

By saving Lionel Messi’s penalty during Egypt’s 2-3 defeat to Argentina, the Al Ahly shot-stopper became one of the few keepers to deny two penalties—outside of shootouts—in a single edition of the tournament.

He had already denied a penalty against Iran in the group stage, helping the Pharaohs snatch a draw (1-1). He repeated the feat Tuesday night against the Albiceleste.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper joins Jan Tomaszewski (1974), Brad Friedel (2002), and Wojciech Szczęsny (2022), each of whom stopped two penalties in a single tournament.

The Egyptian international’s (15 caps) heroics weren’t enough to send Egypt into the quarterfinals, despite a two-goal lead. Hossam Hassan’s men were overturned in the dying minutes of the match (2-3).

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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