In Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium, Egypt achieved its first-ever World Cup victory, ending nearly a century of frustration. The team defeated their opponent 3–1, with Mohamed Salah playing a decisive role by scoring one goal and assisting another. The win brought Egypt to the brink of qualifying for the knockout stage, marking a historic moment for the nation’s football journey.

Egypt’s World Cup history has long been marked by disappointment. They first appeared in 1934 as the first African and Arab nation to play in the tournament but lost their only match. After returning in 1990, they again failed to win any of their three games. In 2018, despite Salah’s two goals, Egypt exited after three losses. Following a demanding club season, Salah returned to lead his country once more, turning past heartbreak into triumph.

Ahead of their final group match against Iran on Saturday, Egypt’s players now face the next challenge with renewed confidence, having finally lifted the burden of generations of missed opportunities.