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Thousands of fans welcomed the Egyptian football team upon their return from the World Cup in North America, after achieving a historic feat by reaching the round of 16 for the first time in their history, before exiting the tournament with a loss to defending champions Argentina.

Thousands of Egyptians gathered outside El Alamein International Airport on the North Coast to welcome the players and technical staff, waving national flags and banners celebrating this achievement, which came in Egypt's fourth appearance in the World Cup finals.

One banner read 'Egypt's men honored us,' while others held up pictures of Mohamed Salah, the team captain, with the word 'Thank you.'

Egyptian television networks broadcast the moment the team's plane arrived at the airport, accompanied by patriotic songs and chants.

The team boarded an open-top bus, and the players waved to the crowd and exchanged greetings before the bus set off in a celebratory procession.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will receive the national team and its technical and administrative staff tomorrow, Saturday.

Egypt moved the reception ceremony to New Alamein to promote the area, which it relies on to attract more investments and tourists, as well as for ease of security with thousands expected to greet the team.

Fans welcome Egypt's national team at El Alamein Airport

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Fans welcome Egypt's national team at El Alamein Airport

Fans welcome Egypt's national team at El Alamein Airport

Egypt may have left the tournament feeling somewhat aggrieved by some refereeing decisions they considered to favor Argentina led by Lionel Messi, after losing a painful match 3-2 in the round of 16.

Egypt had been leading 2-0 until the last ten minutes, but ended their campaign with a sense of pride after their best-ever run in the finals.

The Egyptian Football Association had preempted the team's return by announcing the renewal of Hossam Hassan and his brother Ibrahim Hassan's contracts, in order to 'complete the technical project of the national team and build on the historic achievements of Egyptian football in the past period.' The association did not disclose the new contract duration, but local reports indicated the contract would extend until 2030.

Egypt's national team bid farewell to the World Cup in the round of 16 against Argentina

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Egypt's national team bid farewell to the World Cup in the round of 16 against Argentina

Egypt's national team bid farewell to the World Cup in the round of 16 against Argentina

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