Sisi receives Egyptian football national team before heading to Russia for World Cup

CAIRO – 9 June 2018:Egypt’s President AbdelFatah al-Sisi held a meeting with Egyptian players and coaching staff before heading to Russia for the 2018 World Cup.


President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi with All the 23-players and the coaching staff - Press Photo

“You’re in a dream and you have to fight to bring joy to Egyptians,” President Sisi said in the one-hour meeting held in the presidential palace.


President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi with All the 23-players and the coaching staff - Press Photo


Youth and Sports Minister Khaled Abdel-Aziz attended the meeting alongside Egyptian Football Association (EFA) members, without EFA’s President Hany Abou Reida who headed to Russia.

Sisi expressed his happiness by what the Egyptian national team achieved (qualifying for the World Cup) but he and the Egyptians are waiting for a lot more to show in the biggest competition.


President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi with All the 23-players and the coaching staff - Press Photo

Sisi pointed a question to the Egyptian star, Mohamed Salah, regarding the injury he suffered with Liverpool and whether he will participate or not.

“I am feeling better now; I feel that I can participate in the first game. We have to fight, as you said, and I promise that we will do our best to show the world what we can do,” Salah responded.


President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi with Mohamed Salah - Press Photo

Salah thanked the president for his intervention in his last crisis after his image rights dispute with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and ending the crisis quickly.

“Thank you very much because it’s the third time you receive the team and stand by our side; this is wonderful. I hope that the next time will be after our achievement of the World Cup,” Cuper said to President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.


President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi with All the 23-players and the coaching staff - Press Photo


All the players will have their last training session at 10:00 p.m. before travelling to Russia on Sunday morning.


Egypt plays in Group A alongside the South American giant, Uruguay; Arab rival, Saudi Arabia; and, the host, Russia.


Egypt starts their journey against Uruguay on June 15 at 2:00 p.m. The Pharaohs will then meet Russia on June 19 at 8:00 p.m. before ending the group stage against Saudi Arabia on June 25 at 4:00 p.m.


President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi with Amr Warda


President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi with Ramadan Sobhy


President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi with Essam El-Hadary



President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi with Youth and Sports Minister Khaled Abdel-aziz