Egypt's journey in the 2026 World Cup was more than just a football participation; it turned into a story that inspired millions of Egyptians and revived the dream in the sports street.

After a historic campaign that garnered widespread praise, the Pharaohs returned home to an exceptional public and official reception at El Alamein Airport, celebrating the heroic performance of the players and technical staff that left an indelible mark on Egyptian football history.

Youth and Sports Minister Gohar Nabil and League Association President Ahmed Diab were among the first to welcome the Egypt national team delegation.

Thousands of Egyptian fans gathered around El Alamein Airport since the early hours of today to receive the national team delegation returning from the United States after their commendable participation in the 2026 World Cup finals.

The delegation had departed Atlanta, USA, at 11 PM Cairo time on Thursday aboard a flight lasting more than 12 hours, according to team manager Ibrahim Hassan.

The return trip saw some delays, with the plane's departure from the US delayed by 48 minutes, and its arrival at El Alamein Airport delayed by about an hour.

"100 Million Thanks"

The flight crew gave the national team players a special gesture by forming a guard of honor as they boarded the plane, amid warm applause from crew members, while the players exchanged greetings in an atmosphere of appreciation and gratitude.

Egyptian authorities had earlier announced an official and public reception for the delegation at El Alamein Airport, and a ceremony was arranged to honor the players and technical staff led by Hossam Hassan, attended by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

An open-top bus was also designated to receive the delegation, allowing fans to celebrate and interact with the players as they moved after leaving the airport.

The bus was in the distinctive red color of the Egyptian national team, carrying the word "Egypt" in English alongside the Egyptian flag, and adorned with the phrase: "100 Million Thanks," in appreciation of the players' performance during the tournament.

"You Honored Us"

The area around El Alamein Airport witnessed a massive turnout of Egyptian fans, who came to welcome the national team delegation upon their return from the United States, expressing gratitude for the commendable level the team showed in the World Cup.

Fans held banners featuring images of several national team players, along with head coach Hossam Hassan, inscribed with the phrase: "Thank you.. You honored us," in a message of appreciation for what the Pharaohs achieved throughout their tournament journey.

Egypt made a historic appearance in the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in its history under the expanded tournament format, with performances that earned widespread acclaim.

The Egyptian national team concluded its campaign in the tournament with a 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16, after a strong performance that underscored the significant progress the team had made during the World Cup.

Egypt national team arrives at El Alamein International Airport.. fans gather to welcome them 🇪🇬

The Egypt national team delegation has just arrived at El Alamein International Airport, coming from the United States, following the historic achievement of reaching the Round of 16 in the World Cup for the first time in history.

Thousands gathered… pic.twitter.com/PWdDfUg0b2

— EFA.eg (@EFA) July 10, 2026