Cairo / Anadolu

On Saturday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi honored the national football team players and members of the technical and administrative staff by granting them the 'Merit Cup' and honorary medals, in appreciation of what he described as the heroic performance they delivered in the 2026 World Cup.

This came during el-Sisi's reception of the team delegation in New Alamein City in the north of the country, in the presence of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Youth and Sports Juhar Nabil, and President of the Egyptian Football Association Hany Abo Rida, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

The statement said that President el-Sisi granted the team players and members of the technical and administrative staff the 'Merit Cup' and honorary medals, in appreciation of the heroic performance and high technical level they demonstrated during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the determination, perseverance, and discipline they showed.

During a speech after the honoring, el-Sisi said that the team received widespread praise from Egyptians, Arabs, and followers of the tournament around the world, commending what he described as the 'high values' that the players exhibited during the competition.

He added that the team earned the respect of fans and followers thanks to its performance and fighting spirit, considering that what the team achieved 'goes beyond match results.'

El-Sisi affirmed that the team 'represented the youth of Egypt honorably' and contributed to bringing joy to the hearts of Egyptians during its participation in the tournament.

He also called for attention to discovering young talents and providing the necessary support for them, stressing the state's readiness to support sports competencies and the national technical staff.

He emphasized the importance of continuing work and building on what was achieved in the World Cup, saying that the Egyptian fans now expect more from the team in the upcoming stage.

On Friday, hundreds of fans welcomed the Egyptian team delegation upon its arrival in New Alamein City, following the conclusion of its participation in the 2026 World Cup, which is hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico until July 19.

The Egyptian team recorded its best participation in the tournament's history, after advancing past the group stage for the first time and reaching the knockout rounds.

The Egyptian team qualified for the round of 32 as runner-up of Group 7 with 5 points, before defeating Australia and reaching the round of 16, where it lost to Argentina 3-2, after a match in which it delivered a remarkable performance.