The United Arab Emirates billionaire Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has announced car gifts for each member of the Egypt national team following their historic run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Before this year’s tournament, Egypt had not reached the knockout stage of the World Cup but broke the jinx in North America, reaching the round of 16 before a controversial 3-2 loss to defending champions Argentina.
Egypt’s performance in the tournament, especially during the last 16 match against Argentina, drew praises from football fans, including Mr Al Habtoor.
In recognition of Egypt’s World Cup campaign, the Emirati businessman described the team as the pride of the Arab world in a X post on Friday.
He noted that he was coordinating with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to give each member of the delegation a Mitsubishi car.
Mr Al Habtoor noted that the gesture would be extended to members of Egypt’s World Cup technical, administrative, and medical staff, bringing the total number of cars to be distributed to 59.
“At the direction of the founder and chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, Mr Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, the Group has coordinated with the Egyptian Football Association, and an agreement has been reached to provide a Mitsubishi car to each member of the Egyptian national team delegation, in appreciation of the honorable performance delivered by the team in the World Cup, which delighted millions, raised Egypt’s name high, and brought joy to the hearts of all Arabs,” Mr Al Habtoor said.
He added, “The initiative includes all members of the national team delegation, from the players, technical staff, administrative staff, and medical team, in recognition of their efforts and belief that success is the fruit of collective work.”
Meanwhile, the Peoples Gazette reported last week that members of the national team accused FIFA of fixing the World Cup in favour of Argentina following their loss to the South American giant, while EFA demanded the expulsion of referee Francois Letexier over how he officiated the match.
