Egypt Fans Find Renewed Hope After Strong Start Against Belgium at World Cup

Posted : 16 June 2026

For many Egyptian supporters, Monday’s World Cup opener against Belgium brought a rare sense of optimism after years of disappointment on football’s biggest stage. When Egypt briefly took the lead, celebrations erupted across Cairo, where fans gathered in streets and cafes to watch the match unfold.

In the Heliopolis district of the capital, 62-year-old Bahgat Abbas joined jubilant crowds as the atmosphere turned festive, with cheers echoing from television sets and car horns filling the air. Abbas, who still remembers Egypt’s 1990 World Cup appearance, said the feeling this time was different, describing a growing belief that the team could finally achieve something meaningful.

Although Egypt were eventually held to a 1-1 draw by Belgium, one of Europe’s strongest sides, the performance was widely seen as a positive step. The result offered encouragement to supporters who have waited decades for a breakthrough at the World Cup.

Much of the hope surrounding the team continues to revolve around Mohamed Salah, who turned 34 on Monday and remains Egypt’s most influential player. Fans expressed belief that the Liverpool star could still inspire a historic run, even if this tournament proves to be his final World Cup appearance.

In Cairo’s Sharabiya district, supporter Taha Omar said the match stood out because Egypt played with attacking intent rather than focusing solely on defence. He noted that competing strongly against a top team like Belgium added to the sense of progress.

Egyptian fans reacted emotionally throughout the match, with every attack sparking cheers or anxious silences as chances came and went. Despite long-standing frustration, the performance reignited hope that the national team could finally end its winless World Cup record.

Egypt were the first African and Arab nation to feature at the World Cup in 1934 but have yet to win a match in the tournament. Their appearances in 1990 and 2018 ended without victories, adding to a history of early exits and near misses.

Ahead of this year’s competition, a wave of promotional campaigns encouraged fans to believe in a stronger showing, with national team players also expressing confidence about progressing beyond the group stage.

Back in Cairo, supporters remained cautiously optimistic after the draw. Many believe that while the winless streak continues, the performance against Belgium suggests a team capable of competing at a higher level than in previous tournaments.

Egypt Fans Find Renewed Hope After Strong Start Against Belgium at World Cup

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