CAIRO, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Loud cheers were heard from cafes, homes and apartment balconies across Egypt in the early hours of Saturday as the national team secured its first ever group-stage progression to the knockout stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Pharaohs held Iran to a 1-1 draw in the final Group G match to book the qualification, with fans believing the Pharaohs can continue their World Cup journey.
"I watched every minute of the match with my family. We couldn't believe the final whistle," said Sherief Helmy, who watched the match at a cafe in Cairo's Al-Haram district before taking to the streets with his two children, singing patriotic songs and waving Egyptian flags.
"We've already made history," Helmy told Xinhua. "Now we don't want to stop here. We want to see Egypt win again."
The result moved Egypt to five points from three matches, securing second place behind Belgium, who defeated New Zealand 5-1 in the other group match. Egypt will face Australia in the Round of 32 on July 3.
"Goal for Egypt!" residents shouted from the windows of apartment buildings in Cairo's Zahraa El Maadi district after Mahmoud Saber gave Egypt the lead in the fifth minute.
"This team has shown courage and determination," said Ahmed Yahia, another fan, adding that reaching the next round proved Egyptian players could compete with the world's best. "Now we believe they can go even further."
Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Gohar Nabil also congratulated the national team, describing the achievement as a milestone for Egyptian football.
"You have written your names in golden letters in the history of Egyptian football," the minister said in a statement, praising the players and coaching staff.
Nabil said the achievement reflected the team's determination and deserved recognition, adding that the country's political leadership had full confidence in and support for the national team throughout its World Cup campaign.
He expressed optimism that the breakthrough would become another milestone in Egyptian sports and bring joy to millions of fans across the country.
Sports analyst Mahmoud Ali said that although the knockout stage would present tougher opponents, Egypt's confidence, tactical discipline, and team spirit gave it a realistic chance of progressing further.
"The players have already proved they can compete under pressure," he said. "This qualification will boost their confidence, and anything is possible in knockout football."
As the Pharaohs prepare for their next challenge, millions of Egyptians are expected to gather around television screens once again, hoping their historic World Cup journey is only just beginning.
Egypt is making its fourth FIFA World Cup appearance, following previous participations in 1934, 1990 and 2018.
"Whether this campaign ends in the next round or goes even further, we believe the Pharaohs have already written a chapter that will be remembered for generations," Yahia said. ■
