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Egypt’s fairytale ends, but history is made
Doha, Qatar: For 78 unforgettable minutes in Houston, Egypt stood on the brink of history. forestarrow.help
Two goals ahead against reigning champions Argentina, the Pharaohs were within touching distance of a first-ever FIFA World Cup quarter-final. Then came the response only champions could produce. Lionel Messi inspired a stunning late comeback as Argentina scored three times in the final 13 minutes to snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory, bringing an end to Egypt’s fairytale run in North America.
The defeat was heartbreaking, but it should not overshadow what has been the greatest World Cup campaign in Egypt’s history.
Competing in only their fourth FIFA World Cup after appearances in 1934, 1990 and 2018, Egypt arrived in North America carrying an unwanted record: they had never won a World Cup match. They leave North America having rewritten almost every chapter of their World Cup history.
The seven-time African champions opened their campaign by holding Belgium to a 1-1 draw before recording the nation’s first-ever World Cup victory with a 3-1 win over New Zealand. A 1-1 draw against Iran then secured second place in the group, with the Pharaohs progressing to the knockout rounds unbeaten. It marked a remarkable turnaround from Russia 2018, where they exited after losing all three group-stage matches.
The Round of 32 clash against Australia was another historic moment for Egypt. Making their first appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds, the Pharaohs showed composure as well as character. After a 1-1 draw, they converted all four penalties in the shootout to secure a 4-2 victory, becoming the only team at World Cup 2026 so far to maintain a perfect record from the spot. It also sealed Egypt’s first-ever World Cup knockout victory.
Their reward was a meeting with defending champions Argentina and a showdown between Egypt’s greatest-ever footballer and one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
Days before the tournament, Mohamed Salah had been asked who he would choose for a “last dance” at the World Cup. Without hesitation, he named Lionel Messi. Fate delivered exactly that.
The embrace between the two captains before kick-off reflected the respect they have shared throughout their careers. For long periods, it was Salah who looked set to enjoy the perfect farewell, inspiring the Pharaohs into a two-goal lead and within minutes of one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history before Argentina’s quality ultimately told.
Whether this proves to be Salah’s final World Cup remains unknown, but his place in Egyptian football history is beyond question. Already the nation’s leading World Cup goalscorer and record appearance-maker, the former Liverpool forward captained Egypt to their first World Cup victory, first unbeaten group stage, first knockout appearance and first knockout triumph.
“I don’t know whether this is the last dance, but it’s always been an honour to wear this shirt,” Salah said. “I hope I can inspire people, particularly children, to believe they can go far. I hope they see me as a source of inspiration. Success is not reserved for one person, and someone else’s success does not diminish my own.”
The quarter-finals may have slipped from their grasp, but Egypt leave World Cup 2026 with something far more valuable than a place in the last eight. After decades of waiting, the Pharaohs finally announced themselves on football’s biggest stage and gave the world a glimpse of what Egyptian football is capable of.
Haaland relishing 'special' World Cup showdown with England
Miami: Erling Haaland said facing England, the land of his birth, in the World Cup quarter-finals was extra special as he aims to extend Norway's historic run into the last four.
In his first major international tournament the Manchester City striker has propelled his country to the last eight by scoring seven times in four appearances, including a memorable double to beat Brazil in the last 16.
Haaland was born in England as his father Alfe Inge Haaland was playing for Leeds at the time and he has spent the last four seasons at City where he has become the poster boy of the Premier League.
"It's a special game, yeah, definitely. I think for me it's super special, because I play in England and I was born in England, and you also play against team-mates and everything," Haaland told reporters in Miami. "It's a funny game and it's gonna be nice."
In their first World Cup for 28 years, Norway have surpassed all expectations thanks to Haaland's killer instinct in front of goal.
"I didn't expect it, to be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup is quite surprising even for me," he added.
"Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil and then go and play England in the quarter-finals in the World Cup in the USA is quite special.
"I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be, so it's super special."
England, by contrast, are in the quarter-finals for a third consecutive World Cup, but have not won a major tournament for 60 years.
Haaland was keen to put the pressure on the Three Lions, who were considered among the pre-tournament favourites.
All of the top four seeds are still on course to reach the last four as England could face defending champions Argentina, while France and Spain could face off in the other semi-final.
"I think there's some clear favourites out there, England's one of them," said Haaland. "I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads."
Haaland's exploits have also made him a star Stateside over the past few weeks.
On top of his goalscoring prowess, the 25-year-old's jovial personality has gained fans.
Just hours after scoring the winner in the last 32 against Ivory Coast, Haaland went to be kitted out like a cowboy in Dallas posting a video in a cowboy hat and boots that went viral.
"It's a good thing because I like the Americans, I think they are kind of hilarious as well. They are funny, so I like the way they are," he said on his newfound fame in the USA.
"I think it's just good. Honestly on every single thing with the World Cup so far here it has been amazing: from the games to the stadiums, everything has been amazing.
"The training ground where we train has been amazing, so I'm super happy and it's been impressive."
Al-Buenain resigns as QFA president
Doha: Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain has announced his resignation as president of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) following the conclusion of Qatar’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, Al-Buenain said his decision comes after three years at the helm of the federation, a period he described as one of significant challenges and continuous efforts to advance Qatari football.
He said the federation worked tirelessly to turn its ambitions into tangible achievements, with commitment, dedication and teamwork playing a key role in meeting the objectives set during his tenure.
Al-Buenain, who was elected as QFA president in 2023, thanked everyone who supported the federation throughout his presidency and wished continued success for Qatari football in the years ahead.
He said the achievements during his tenure reflected the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, adding that the successes achieved were the result of collective effort and a focus on the interests of Qatari football.
He said he leaves his position with pride in what was accomplished over the past three years, while expressing confidence that Qatari football will continue to progress.
Al-Buenain also wished the QFA and Al Annabi continued success in the future.
During his presidency, Qatar won their second straight Asian Cup title in 2024 and reached the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time through the qualifying phase after making debut as hosts in 2024.
Al-Buenain’s resignation comes after Al Annabi’s World Cup exit, with Qatar finishing bottom of Group B. Qatar earned a historic first-ever World Cup point after a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their opening match, before suffering defeats against Canada (6-0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (3-1) to end their campaign in the group stage.