The United Arab Emirates (UAE) billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor has generously gifted a total of 59 vehicles to the Egyptian national football team following their noteworthy performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This significant gesture was made to acknowledge and encourage the team for their achievement in reaching the tournament’s Round of 16, a historic milestone for Egyptian football.
Despite a valiant effort, Egypt’s World Cup journey concluded in the Round of 16 after a dramatic 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina. The match saw Egypt lead 2-0 for a significant portion of the game before Argentina mounted a late comeback to secure their victory.
The substantial donation of 59 SUVs is intended for the entire Egyptian football delegation, extending beyond just the players and head coaches. It encompasses assistant coaches, technical staff, team officials, and the medical support team, ensuring that every individual who contributed to the team’s success is recognized. According to a spokesperson for Al Habtoor’s company, who spoke to The National newspaper, all 59 vehicles were prepared for shipment to Egypt ahead of an official handover ceremony to the Egyptian Football Association.
Each of these SUVs is valued at approximately $29,000 in the UAE market, bringing the total value of the philanthropic gift to nearly $1.7 million.
Al Habtoor himself took to social media, specifically platform X, to congratulate the Egyptian team on their World Cup campaign. He expressed that the joy and pride felt by the Egyptian citizens and their national team were mirrored by the people of the UAE. The Dubai-based magnate particularly lauded Egypt’s impressive display against Argentina, where they held a commanding 2-0 lead for about 80 minutes before the reigning champions managed to secure a narrow 3-2 victory.
While acknowledging that Egypt ultimately did not advance past the Round of 16, Al Habtoor asserted that the team had undeniably captured the hearts and widespread support of not only the Egyptian populace but also fans across the globe. The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked Egypt’s fourth appearance in the prestigious tournament and, notably, their first-ever progression to the knockout stage.
In addition to this private philanthropic gesture, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi also announced incentives and awards for the national squad and its coaching staff, further emphasizing the nation’s pride in their team’s accomplishments.
Following their World Cup campaign, the Egyptian national team returned to their home country on July 10. They were greeted by an outpouring of support from enthusiastic fans who celebrated their return with a celebratory parade in the city of El Alamein, expressing collective gratitude for the team’s memorable performance.
