On 7 July 2026, New York's Little Egypt neighborhood in Astoria erupted with pride and heartbreak as the Egyptian national team concluded its historic World Cup campaign. For the first time ever, Egypt advanced to the tournament's Round of 16, drawing thousands of supporters to Steinway Street, a hub of Middle Eastern restaurants and cafes.
Historic run ends in defeat
Egypt took an early lead against Argentina, but the South American powerhouse mounted a comeback in the final minutes, securing a victory that ended Egypt's run. Despite the loss, fans celebrated the team's unprecedented achievement, filling the streets with red smoke—one of the colors of Egypt's flag—and chanting in support.
Celebrations in Little Egypt
Throughout the tournament, Steinway Street became a gathering point for Egyptian Americans and fans. On match day, revelers waved flags, danced, and played tambourines. One fan was launched into the air during the celebrations, while another waved Egypt's flag from atop a car. Among the crowd, a lone Argentina fan was surrounded by Egyptian supporters, speaking with a content creator.
Mixed emotions
Photographer Julius Constantine Motal captured the scene, showing fans' despondency in the final minutes as Argentina turned the game around. Yet, the historic run inspired a sense of pride. According to Motal, the atmosphere was electric, with fans celebrating their team's journey despite the heartbreak of defeat.
