Key Developments
- Egypt defeated Australia on penalties to reach the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time.
- Head coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the historic victory to the Palestinian people.
- Celebrations erupted across Egypt as the Pharaohs set up a last-16 clash with Argentina.
- Palestinians in Gaza have supported Egypt throughout its World Cup campaign despite the ongoing genocide.
Egypt celebrated one of the greatest moments in its football history on Friday after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout to reach the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time, with head coach Hossam Hassan dedicating the landmark victory not only to Egyptians but also to the Palestinian people.
Speaking to beIN Sports after Egypt’s dramatic victory, Hassan said the achievement belonged to “another people alongside the Egyptian people.”
I dedicate this victory to the Palestinian people, who have never failed to support us.
The emotional tribute came after Egypt secured a 4-2 victory on penalties following a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, booking a historic Round of 16 meeting with defending champions Argentina.
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A Historic Breakthrough
Egypt opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Emam Ashour, before Australia equalized midway through the second half after an own goal by Mohamed Hany.
Neither side managed to find a winner during extra time, sending the match to penalties.
The Pharaohs converted all four of their spot kicks while Australia missed twice, sealing the biggest World Cup victory in Egyptian football history.
The result marks the first time Egypt has progressed beyond the opening knockout stage since making its World Cup debut.
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Palestine at the Heart of the Celebration
Hassan’s remarks reflected a theme that has become increasingly visible throughout the 2026 World Cup, where supporters from numerous countries have displayed Palestinian flags and expressed solidarity with Palestinians during matches.
Throughout Egypt’s tournament, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have followed the national team’s campaign despite Israel’s ongoing war on the enclave.
Residents gathered around televisions in displacement camps, shelters and damaged neighborhoods to watch Egypt’s matches whenever electricity and internet access allowed, cheering on the Pharaohs throughout their historic run.
Hassan acknowledged that support, saying the Palestinian people had always stood behind Egypt.
His dedication quickly resonated across Arab social media, where many users described the coach’s remarks as one of the defining moments of Egypt’s qualification.
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Celebrations Across Egypt
Scenes of celebration erupted across Egypt immediately after the final penalty.
Thousands of supporters poured into streets and public squares carrying Egyptian flags while chanting in celebration of the team’s historic achievement.
Crowds gathered in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Beheira, Gharbia, Monufia, Matrouh, and across Upper Egypt, while fans also celebrated inside the country’s official fan zone in the New Administrative Capital.
In one of the evening’s most symbolic moments, the Pyramids of Giza were illuminated in red to commemorate Egypt’s qualification.
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‘Now We’re Waiting for Messi’
Attention quickly turned to Egypt’s next challenge. The Pharaohs will face Argentina in the Round of 16, setting up a highly anticipated encounter with Lionel Messi.
“We’ve reached the Round of 16,” supporter Mohamed El-Alfy told Anadolu.
Now we’re waiting for Messi.
Another fan, Hassan Jalal, said he believed Egypt could overcome Argentina just as it had defeated Australia.
“We’ll beat Messi too,” he said confidently.
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Supporter Marina Ashraf described the performance as one that made the entire country proud.
“We were very nervous at first,” she said.
But the team truly made us proud. The performance was outstanding.
For Egypt, the victory secures a place in the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history.
For Hossam Hassan, however, the night carried another message—one that extended beyond football, dedicating Egypt’s greatest World Cup triumph to a people enduring one of the darkest chapters in their own history.
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(Times of Oman, beIN Sports, Social Media, PC)