Egypt's World Cup Celebrations, Player Absences, and AFCON Pledge

Egypt celebrated its first World Cup Round of 16 finish, but nine players including Mohamed Salah missed the ceremony while coach Hossam Hassan vowed to win the Africa Cup of Nations.

• Egypt reached the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup for the first time in its history.
• A ceremony at Cairo Stadium on July 13 honored the team; nine players including Salah, El-Shennawy, and Marmoush were absent without an official reason.
• Mohamed Salah’s aunt died on July 13; her burial is scheduled in his hometown of Nagrig, Gharbiya.
• Coach Hossam Hassan stated during a July 14 TV interview that he will not allow the Africa Cup of Nations trophy to slip away.