Players in the Egyptian national team’s dressing room Celebration. Shirts were scattered on the floor, and the accompanying shoes, socks and gold confetti still hung in the air. Quickly, the camera pans to the trash can, in which is the World Cup trophy, amidst many pieces of trash.
The cup highlights the appearance of the word when struck by a used water bottle that has been unceremoniously tossed in the trash tozWritten in Arabic. The word means “whatever,” or “who cares,” and it embodies the way Egyptian fans turned feelings of injustice into celebration and rejection of the absurdity of the World Cup.
The absurdity, according to fans, was evident in Egypt’s recent match against Argentina. After the 3-2 loss to the South American team on July 7, widespread accusations of injustice quickly spread, in Egypt and internationally.
In an emotional match after the match interviewEgyptian football player Mostafa Zico explained: “We were subjected to injustice today. Everyone saw that.” In Britain, former English player Alan Shearer agreed, Saying“I think it’s absolute and complete b******.”
Both were referring to Egypt’s stunning 58th-minute goal being disallowed following a VAR review, as well as several other incidents, including the rejection of a potential Egyptian penalty kick before Argentina’s stoppage-time winner.
After defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties in the round of 32 on July 3, qualifying the Egyptian team to the round of 16, the Egyptian team advanced further in the 2026 World Cup than ever before.
Before this World Cup, Egypt had never won a match, or progressed beyond the preliminary group stages in 1934, 1990 and 2018. Before their victory over Australia, the Pharaohs tied with Iran and Belgium 1-1, and defeated New Zealand 3-1.
Every victory was followed by ecstatic celebration. Fans celebrating in the streets paralyzed major Egyptian cities, while thousands flocked to fan zones to support their team’s historic campaign.
The short video was first posted on Instagram one day after Egypt’s match against Argentina by Egyptian creator Danny Arafa, and has now racked up 9.2 million views, with more than 460,000 likes. that English version The video itself has received more than a million views.
In the second half of the video, small Polaroid images of different players holding different fantasy trophies are shown in succession. Marwan Attia wins the “Dynamo” award, Zico “the striker” award, and goalkeeper Mustafa Shabir wins the “High Sadd” award.
The video’s caption read: “We couldn’t care less about FIFA and their prayers.”
Despite the result, the deep pride in the Egyptian team’s efforts, which saturates the video, is expressed again at the end with the phrase, “You held our heads high.” And in the English video “You Made Us Proud”.
In testament to the success of the video, Arafa has since produced a poster and sticker of the World Cup trophy, in which the word “Tooz” is placed between the trophy and the rubbish on which it is placed in a bin.
Sold online through DAll proceeds from the poster and poster are donated to Palestinian charities, in reference to the Egyptian team’s continued calls for solidarity with Palestine throughout the tournament.
The overwhelming sense of pride and joy felt by Egyptian fans, despite the tournament result, became even more evident at El Alamein International Airport on 10 July.
After crowds gathered to welcome the Pharaohs and watch the team’s procession by open-air bus through the streets of New Alamein, upon its arrival in Cairo, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi officially hosted the Egyptian team.
President Sisi said in press statements: “It was a wonderful effort.” address to the team, adding, “You’ve made us really proud.” More adulation ensued, culminating in a dazzling celebration of the team’s success at Cairo International Stadium on 13 July.
With red fireworks lighting up the night sky, thousands of fans gathered to pay tribute to the Pharaohs at the World Cup Grand Final in a packed Cairo Stadium, accompanied by a performance by Egyptian singer Tamer Hosny.
The surreal nature of the 2026 World Cup was evident throughout the tournament. Before a minute of football has been played, early Controversy Surrounded by the refusal of visas to the Iranian national team.
The controversy continued. In perhaps the most ridiculous moment of the tournament, US President Donald Trump successfully pressured FIFA coup Red card for American soccer player Folarin Balogun.
FIFA may remember the Egypt tournament as a round of 16 exit. The Egyptians seem determined to remember something else entirely; A team that made history and united the country. The World Cup could remain in the trash. The Pharaohs actually claimed something far more valuable. They won the pride of Egypt.
As for the rest of the World Cup matches – toz.