Egypt’s World Cup heartbreak deepens after deaths of two fans during Argentina clash

Two Egyptian football supporters have died after suffering separate medical emergencies while watching Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 defeat by Argentina in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The incidents, reported in the governorates of Sharqia and Alexandria, cast a shadow over the conclusion of a match that saw the Pharaohs surrender a two-goal lead before the defending champions completed a late comeback.

According to local reports, Salah Abdel Hamid Al-Haddad collapsed during the closing stages of the match while watching with other supporters in Al-Soufia village in Sharqia Governorate.

Emergency treatment unsuccessful

Witnesses said those present attempted to assist him before he was taken to Al-Sufiya Central Hospital, where medical staff were unable to save him after he suffered what was reported to be a heart attack.

A second fatal incident was reported in Alexandria, where another supporter, identified as Ibrahim M., suffered a sudden medical emergency while watching the match at a café in the Zero area.

Emergency services were called to the scene after police received a report that a man had collapsed inside the café. Responding officers and paramedics confirmed that the supporter had died after falling ill during the game.

Match ended in heartbreak for Egypt

The tragedies came as Egypt’s World Cup campaign ended in painful fashion.

The Pharaohs appeared to be on course for a place in the quarter-finals after establishing a 2-0 lead, but Argentina staged a remarkable recovery by scoring three unanswered goals to secure a 3-2 victory and advance to the last eight.

The deaths of the two supporters have added a sombre note to the aftermath of Egypt’s World Cup elimination, with communities in both Sharqia and Alexandria mourning the loss of fellow football fans.