Two Egyptian football supporters have died after suffering separate medical emergencies while watching Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The incidents, reported in Sharqia and Alexandria governorates, cast a sombre shadow over a match that ended in heartbreak for the Pharaohs after they surrendered a two-goal lead to the defending world champions.
Supporter dies in Sharqia
According to local reports, Salah Abdel Hamid Al-Haddad collapsed during the closing stages of the match while watching the game with fellow supporters in Al-Soufia village, Sharqia Governorate.
People at the scene immediately attempted to assist him before he was rushed to Al-Sufiya Central Hospital.
Despite efforts by medical personnel, he was pronounced dead after reportedly suffering a heart attack.
Second fatal incident in Alexandria
A second tragedy occurred in Alexandria, where another supporter, identified as Ibrahim M., suffered a sudden medical emergency while watching the match at a café in the Zero area.
Emergency services responded after police received reports that a customer had collapsed inside the café.
Paramedics and responding officers later confirmed that the supporter had died after falling ill during the game.
Heartbreak on and off the pitch
The tragic incidents unfolded as Egypt’s World Cup campaign came to a painful end.
The Pharaohs looked destined for a place in the quarter-finals after establishing a 2-0 lead, but Argentina mounted a stunning comeback, scoring three unanswered goals to secure a 3-2 victory and book their place in the last eight.
The deaths of the two supporters have left communities in both Sharqia and Alexandria in mourning, adding a deeply tragic dimension to the aftermath of Egypt’s World Cup elimination.
