Sheikh Mohammed hails Egypt's historic World Cup feat after first-ever last-16 qualification
Salah helps Pharaohs script football history
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has hailed Egypt's historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, describing the achievement as a "heroic performance" that brought pride not only to Egypt but to the entire Arab world.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed congratulated the Egyptian people and their leadership after the Pharaohs secured their first-ever place in the World Cup knockout stage, overcoming Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Dallas.
His message came shortly after Egypt completed one of the biggest moments in the country's football history, setting up a blockbuster last-16 clash with defending champions Argentina.
‘Heroic performance’
In a post on X, Sheikh Mohammed praised the Egyptian team's resilience, determination and fighting spirit throughout the match.
"Congratulations to the Egyptian people and their leadership on the national team's qualification for the Round of 16 in the World Cup," he wrote.
ألف مبروك للشعب المصري وقيادته بتأهل المنتخب المصري للدوري ال16 في كأس العالم …
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) July 3, 2026
فرحة العرب اليوم مصرية .. أداء بطولي .. وروح قتالية .. ومباراة ممتعة للفراعنة …
كل التوفيق لجميع العرب .. كل الفرحة لشعوبنا العربية .. pic.twitter.com/zevqJpaB41
"The joy of the Arabs today is Egyptian. A heroic performance, a fighting spirit and an entertaining match by the Pharaohs."
He added: "Best wishes to all Arabs. May joy reach all our Arab peoples."
The message quickly resonated with football fans across the region as Egypt became the latest Arab nation to achieve a milestone on the world's biggest football stage.
Historic milestone
Egypt earned their breakthrough after holding Australia to a 1-1 draw before prevailing 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
Emam Ashour gave Egypt the lead in the 13th minute with a header, but Mohamed Hany's own goal early in the second half brought Australia level. Neither side could find a winner during extra time, sending the contest to penalties.
Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive spot-kick after Australia's Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both failed from the penalty spot, sealing Egypt's first World Cup knockout victory and a place in the last 16.
The result also marked Egypt's first qualification for the knockout rounds in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
Salah returns
Captain Mohamed Salah made a surprise return to the starting line-up despite concerns over a hamstring injury.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan had earlier cast doubt on the Liverpool forward's fitness, but Salah played the full 120 minutes and again proved central to his team's success.
History for Egypt ????????#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/AU12rxTWyb
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 3, 2026
Speaking after the match, Salah described the achievement as "history" and urged his teammates to savour the occasion.
"We have to enjoy the moment because it doesn't come back," he said.
Salah has now contributed one goal and two assists during the tournament as Egypt prepare to face Lionel Messi's Argentina in one of the standout ties of the Round of 16, with the match scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, at 8pm UAE time.