Khalaf Al Habtoor praised the Pharaohs’ historic campaign, saying their success brought pride to the entire Arab world.

Cairo, Egypt (Running Africa) — Emirati billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has rewarded every member of Egypt’s 2026 FIFA World Cup delegation with a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV, honoring the Pharaohs’ historic performance at the global tournament.

Al Habtoor, the founder and chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, announced that 59 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUVs will be presented to the delegation, including players, coaches, administrators, and medical staff, in recognition of their landmark achievement.

The businessman said the initiative was coordinated directly with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and was intended to recognize the collective effort that delivered Egypt’s most successful FIFA World Cup campaign.

“Egypt’s joy is the joy of every Arab,” Al Habtoor said in a statement. “The players and staff deserve to be celebrated for raising the Arab world’s profile on football’s biggest stage.”

Historic 2026 FIFA World Cup Campaign

Egypt enjoyed its finest-ever FIFA World Cup performance in 2026, reaching the Round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history.

The Pharaohs produced several standout performances throughout the tournament, including a memorable victory over New Zealand before narrowly missing out on a place in the quarter-finals.

Their campaign ended in dramatic fashion against defending champions Argentina, with Egypt surrendering a two-goal lead late in the match before suffering a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat in extra time.

Despite the elimination, the team’s performances earned widespread praise across Africa and the Arab world, with many viewing the campaign as a defining moment for Egyptian football on the global stage.

Recognition for Inspiring a Region

Al Habtoor described the fleet of SUVs as a symbol of gratitude for a squad that inspired millions of supporters and united fans across the Arab world through its achievements in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The gesture continues a growing tradition of prominent business leaders and governments rewarding national teams for exceptional performances at major international tournaments, recognizing not only sporting success but also the pride and unity such achievements bring to their countries and regions.