Flight MS3009/10, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, departed Cairo International Airport on a direct route to Atlanta to bring the team’s delegation back to Egypt.
The return flight is scheduled to arrive in Cairo on Friday morning.
EgyptAir, the official carrier of Egypt’s national football team during the tournament, congratulated the delegation and the Egyptian people on what it described as a historic achievement for Egyptian football.
The airline said it remains committed to supporting Egypt’s national teams and clubs by providing travel services and necessary facilities during their participation in regional and international tournaments.
The Pharaohs are returning home after Egypt’s best-ever World Cup campaign, which ended on Tuesday with a dramatic 3-2 defeat to defending champions Argentina in the Round of 16 at Atlanta Stadium.
Egypt appeared on course for one of the biggest results in its football history after taking a 2-0 lead through Yasser Ibrahim in the 15th minute and Mostafa "Ziko" Abdel-Raouf in the 67th. However, Argentina scored three times in the closing stages, with Cristian Romero finding the net in the 79th minute, Lionel Messi equalizing five minutes later, and Enzo Fernández heading in the winner deep into stoppage time.
Despite the defeat, Egypt won widespread praise for its disciplined and fearless performance against the defending champions.
Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was among the standout performers, saving a Messi penalty in the first half and producing several key stops before Argentina’s late comeback.
Egypt’s run marked the country’s first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage and its first advance to the last 16.
The Pharaohs finished second in Group G with five points after drawing 1-1 with Belgium, beating New Zealand 3-1, Egypt’s first-ever World Cup victory, and drawing 1-1 with Iran.
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