From Gaza to Bangkok: World celebrates Egypt's historic World Cup last-16 breakthrough

CAIRO – 4 July 2026: Egypt's dramatic penalty-shootout victory over Australia secured a place in the FIFA World Cup last 16 for the first time in the nation's history.

The landmark achievement sparked jubilant celebrations far beyond the final whistle in Dallas, with scenes of joy unfolding across the Arab world, among Egyptian communities abroad and even in Thailand as fans united to celebrate the Pharaohs.

The historic victory booked Egypt a last-16 meeting with defending champions Argentina.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia erupted in celebration after the final whistle, with fans filling cafés and public viewing areas before spontaneous car parades swept through several cities.

Saudi and Egyptian flags were waved side by side, while General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh congratulated Egypt on social media, writing: "Congratulations, Egypt."

United Arab Emirates

The celebrations reached the UAE, where Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum hailed Egypt's achievement, describing it as "a joyful day for all Arabs" and praising the Pharaohs' “fighting spirit” in a message on X.

 

Kuwait

Thousands gathered in public squares and shopping malls across Kuwait to watch the match before the final whistle transformed the venues into celebrations, with Kuwaitis and Egyptians exchanging congratulations over Egypt's historic progress.

Iraq

In Baghdad, cafés and sports venues erupted as Iraqi fans celebrated alongside Egyptians, while videos circulated online showing supporters waving the Egyptian and Iraqi flags together in support of the Pharaohs.

Jordan

Convoys of celebrating cars took to the streets of Amman, decorated with Egyptian and Jordanian flags as fans chanted and sang in support of Egypt, with banners reading: "Your joy is our joy."

Gaza

Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza celebrated Egypt's historic qualification, marking one of the few moments of joy shared across the territory since the Israeli genocidal war.

 

Wearing the Egyptian and Palestinian flags draped over his shoulders, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the historic victory not only to the Egyptian people, but also to the Palestinian people.

"I dedicate this victory to another people alongside the Egyptian people," Hassan told beIN Sports. "I dedicate it to the Palestinian people, who have never failed to support us. May God have mercy on your martyrs."

 

Oman

Egyptian expatriates gathered in clubs, cafés and community venues across Muscat and other Omani cities, celebrating late into the night alongside Omani supporters.

Yemen

Fans across several Yemeni cities celebrated Egypt's victory with spontaneous gatherings and chants highlighting Arab solidarity following the Pharaohs' historic achievement.

Libya

Fireworks lit up the skies over Tripoli and Benghazi as celebratory car convoys carrying Egyptian and Libyan flags filled the streets after Egypt booked its place in the knockout stage.

Thailand

Celebrations even reached Bangkok.

Emirati influencer Ibrahim Behzad shared videos of jubilant supporters waving Egyptian flags alongside those of other Arab nations and singing Egyptian chants after the match, highlighting the widespread regional backing for the Pharaohs thousands of kilometres from the World Cup.

Dallas

The celebrations erupted at AT&T Stadium in the Dallas area, where Egypt's players and more than 80,000 spectators witnessed emotional scenes after Hossam Abdel Meguid converted the decisive penalty to send the Pharaohs into the knockout rounds.

Egypt

Back home, celebrations swept across Egypt as streets, squares and fan zones filled with jubilant supporters.

 

Thousands gathered at the New Capital's Egyptian Fan Zone, while social media was flooded with praise for the players and head coach Hossam Hassan following the country's greatest World Cup achievement.

The Pyramids of Giza were illuminated in red to celebrate Egypt's historic qualification.