"You Have Honored Us" – Arabs and Africans!
Egypt came close to staging one of the most stunning upsets in World Cup history, both in terms of performance and result, before the match referee snatched away that surprise and joy, allowing defending champions Argentina to win 3-2. Egypt led until the 79th minute, thanks to two of the tournament’s most beautiful goals. It was a wild, dramatic match with an unusual script and intense scenes, both inside and outside the stadium. Yet, this game will remain etched in the minds of fans, analysts, commentators, all Egyptians, and football supporters worldwide for years to come. The “remontada” was orchestrated not by Argentina’s stars, but by the match official, Waldir.
The Egyptian team departed with their heads held high after an exceptional performance by the Pharaohs in this tournament. What Egypt’s players delivered deserved a place in the semifinals, but what transpired on that sorrowful and thrilling night warrants a unified Arab and African stance, not merely an Egyptian one, with FIFA. Even those unfamiliar with the laws of the game and officiating recognize that Egypt was subjected to “a brazen football robbery,” as most Egyptian players stated in their post-match comments. The French referee’s decisions sparked a storm of anger and disbelief in global sporting circles, as if this tournament were merely a marketing tool for the profits of the elite.
This match calls for hats off to the Egyptian national team, led by captain Hossam Hassan, “King” Mohamed Salah, and the giant Amr Warda, along with every other star. It was a football epic in which they exerted tremendous effort, displayed refined skill, and maintained discipline on the pitch. They were closest to snatching a historic victory, had it not been for controversial, questionable refereeing decisions. Today, it is confirmed that the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology serves only to assist major teams and boost marketing interests. To make matters worse, the referee ignored numerous fouls, failed to issue red cards, disallowed a penalty for Egypt, and overlooked violent interventions by Argentine players against Egyptian stars.
Football recognizes only those who impose their will. This is what the Egyptian and Moroccan teams demonstrated at the 2026 World Cup. However, refereeing integrity and external decisions remain in the hands of others, as evidenced by the cancellation of a red card issued to an American player. You should feel proud and look forward. The Egyptian and Moroccan teams, experience these joyful moments. Thank you for your beautiful performance; you brought happiness to every home and every corner of the Arab world. Egypt’s and Morocco’s participation will remain etched in the minds of all Arabs and Africans. The achievements of coaches Hossam Hassan and Mohamed Wahbi will be recorded in football history as proof that Egyptian and Moroccan stars are rising and capable of competing with any national team.
Global newspapers described the Arab teams, Morocco and Egypt, as world-class, noting that Egypt delivered one of the greatest World Cup matches ever. This is strong evidence of what the Pharaohs achieved at the tournament. It is no longer logical to label Egypt or Morocco as “dark horses.” That title belongs to those who advanced due to refereeing decisions and VAR. The Pharaohs and the Atlas Lions left the tournament with their heads held high. Egypt was moments away from writing history. Today, the Egyptian Football Association must transform this painful, unlawful loss into the foundation for building a strong squad for the next World Cup, as President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated: “We must search for talent. What they delivered proves that Egypt can achieve the impossible and reach the furthest extent.”
However, fairness demands that Coach and Captain Hossam Hassan should have introduced defensive-minded players in the 75th minute to help the team and prevent counterattacks. Nevertheless, the reality remains as Captain Hossam Hassan remarked: “What about the world, international law, and the United Nations regarding what is happening in Gaza?” What is happening in Gaza, Captain, is precisely what happened to the Egyptian team in the match against Argentina. The perceptive understand the reference.
Indeed, “you have honored us” as Arabs and Africans, and “you deserve” recognition and a hero’s welcome, for you are the champions of the current World Cup. And God is the ultimate source of intent.
