“I spent two hours crying,” Mostafa Ziko, reflects on Egypt’s defeat to Argentina

Several days after the Pharaohs elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, the Egyptian striker is still struggling to come to terms with the disappointment.

Egypt suffered a painful exit from the World Cup. Having led 2–0, the Pharaohs were overturned (3–2) by Argentina in the dying moments of the match.

It was a defeat that came as a shock to Egyptian supporters. Several days after the match, Mostafa Ziko revealed that it had left a deep scar.

“I can’t seem to put this match behind me, and I feel I won’t be able to for a very long time. After the match, I sat there crying for two hours. I couldn’t eat, I didn’t want to talk to anyone except my wife.

Every time my wife spoke to me, I couldn’t find the words to reply; I was unable to speak. And when I finally managed to answer her, I started crying whilst talking to her.”