President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, extended greetings and appreciation to Egypt's first national football team, following the honorable performance presented by the Pharaohs in the 2026 World Cup finals.
Statements of President Sisi
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, began his speech: "I extend to you greetings, appreciation, and pride. Your performance was more than honorable. What we witnessed from you is not only my testimony but that of everyone who watched you in the world, Egypt, and the Arab region, which highlighted the beautiful values that reflect the authenticity of the Egyptian and his respect."
He added: "An effort that is more than wonderful and great dedication to Egypt, and what has been achieved for us is great and wonderful. You were a source of pride for us, and we are proud of you and what you presented. Football is not only about winning and losing. Victory is what has been achieved in terms of everyone's respect for you, and it is more important than victory."
He continued: "We were waiting for the team's match over the past weeks, and you do not know what the situation you presented was like. You brought joy and happiness to everyone, and the performance was characterized by competitiveness, efficiency, merit, and values. We were happy with you, and until the last match, we saw you exert every effort, and that is enough."
He went on: "We are a people who love sports, and football in particular, and it is not reasonable that there are not many like Mohamed Salah, Mustafa Shobier, and all those present. Rather, there are many, and what is required of us as those concerned is to discover the youth who deserve to be given sufficient support."
He added: "We are ready to support those with competencies and capabilities and to achieve for them everything possible to obtain the opportunity they deserve, given the wonderful level of all Egyptians, including Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan, and we do not intend to change that. We will not change our approach that those responsible for us are from the sons of our homeland. All support to you all, and you saw how the Egyptian people's happiness and appreciation for you was. You have honored us."
The President of the Republic concluded: "I was keen to present to you the cup of appreciation, respect, and pride, and to express to you our gratitude and pride in you. We are happy, and we are still happy with you."
