Morocco made history, but Egypt won hearts: The story behind two World Cup journeys

Morocco’s achievements at the FIFA World Cup remain unmatched in Arab football history, but Egypt’s celebrations following their Round of 16 exit at the 2026 tournament illustrated that the significance of success is not always measured solely by how far a team progresses.

The Atlas Lions became the first African and Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 before reinforcing their status among the world’s elite with another quarter-final appearance four years later.

By comparison, Egypt’s campaign ended in the Round of 16. Yet when the Pharaohs returned home from the United States, they were greeted by jubilant supporters and honoured by state officials in celebrations that prompted debate across the continent.

The contrasting reactions reflected two very different football journeys.

Breaking a historic barrier

For Morocco, reaching the latter stages of the World Cup has become an increasingly realistic expectation following the groundbreaking campaign in Qatar.

Egypt, however, experienced something entirely new.

For the first time in their history, the Pharaohs progressed beyond the group stage and reached the knockout rounds, ending decades of disappointment on the biggest stage in world football.

That breakthrough transformed the tournament into more than just a sporting achievement for many Egyptians. It represented the end of a long-standing psychological barrier and renewed belief that the national team could compete with the world’s strongest sides.

A defeat that inspired belief

The manner of Egypt’s elimination also shaped public perception.

Against defending champions Argentina, the Pharaohs established a two-goal lead and came within touching distance of one of the greatest victories in their history before Lionel Messi’s side fought back to win 3-2.

Although Egypt were eliminated, the performance left many supporters convinced their team had the quality to advance even further.

Rather than viewing the defeat as a routine exit, many saw it as the painful end to a campaign that promised much more.

More than football

The tournament also carried significance beyond results on the pitch.

Head coach Hossam Hassan attracted widespread attention after raising the Palestinian flag following Egypt’s victory over Australia and repeatedly expressing support for Gaza.

For many supporters, those gestures strengthened the emotional connection with the team and broadened the significance of Egypt’s World Cup campaign beyond football alone.

Mohamed Salah’s performances also altered perceptions of his international career.

Despite enjoying extraordinary success with Liverpool, Salah had often faced criticism for failing to deliver major honours with Egypt after losing two Africa Cup of Nations finals and missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

Leading the Pharaohs to their best-ever World Cup performance helped reshape that narrative, with many supporters viewing the tournament as the moment he finally delivered a defining achievement in national colours.

Controversy added to the emotion

Public support was further intensified by a widespread belief among Egyptian fans that key refereeing decisions during the defeat to Argentina favoured the South American side.

Those sentiments were echoed by Hossam Hassan, several players and the Egyptian Football Association, which lodged an official complaint after the match.

Whether justified or not, the perception that Egypt had been denied the opportunity to continue their journey fuelled sympathy for the squad and reinforced the emotional response after their elimination.

Official recognition reinforced the celebrations

The celebrations extended beyond supporters.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi received the national team after their return, while players and members of the coaching staff were honoured in recognition of what many considered a landmark achievement for Egyptian football.

The official reception further cemented the image of the squad as national heroes despite their Round-of-16 exit.

Morocco remains Africa’s standard-bearer

None of that changes the historical record.

Morocco’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 remains the greatest achievement by an African or Arab nation, while the Atlas Lions’ quarter-final appearance in 2026 confirmed that their success was no one-off.

Other African nations, including Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana, have also reached the World Cup quarter-finals, achievements that remain superior to Egypt’s run in terms of tournament progression.

Yet football is often judged by more than statistics.

For Morocco, deep runs at the World Cup have become the product of a long-term project that has established the Atlas Lions among the global elite.

For Egypt, the 2026 tournament represented something different: the breaking of a historic barrier, the restoration of belief and the feeling that the Pharaohs could finally challenge the world’s biggest footballing nations.

That difference in context helps explain why the celebrations in Cairo appeared so grand, even as Morocco’s achievements remain the benchmark for African and Arab football on the World Cup stage.