SPOKANE, Wash. — Egypt’s national soccer team drew hundreds of enthusiastic fans to Gonzaga University this afternoon for their only open practice session before World Cup competition begins.
Out of thousands of people who applied for tickets to watch the team train, only 500 were selected to attend the exclusive session. Among the lucky attendees were several Egyptian supporters who now call Spokane home.
The fans expressed excitement about seeing their national team players, particularly star forward Mo Salah, practicing in their own community.
“So excited to see Mo Salah and all of the other players in our national team. It’s such a great opportunity. Thank you Spokane for hosting our team,” said Michael Tadrous, an Egyptian supporter.
The practice session attracted both dedicated soccer fans and families looking to share a memorable experience together. Many attendees were still processing the reality of having Egypt’s national team training in Spokane.
Some supporters are extending their World Cup experience beyond the local practice. Lily Rohayn and Nour Ibrahim, Egyptian supporters, confirmed their plans to travel to Seattle for Egypt’s upcoming match.
“We are going to buy tickets to watch Iran vs. Egypt in Seattle. We’re really excited,” they said.
The training session provided an opportunity for families to create lasting memories together. Rohayn and Ibrahim described how much their family members enjoyed the experience.
“They’ve been having so much fun. Honestly her brother is so happy. He was so happy taking photos of us the entire time, we got the camera and everything,” they said.
The World Cup competition is set to begin tomorrow, with Egypt preparing to face Iran in Seattle as part of their tournament schedule. The team’s decision to base their pre-tournament preparations in Spokane has provided local soccer fans with an unprecedented opportunity to see international-level players up close.
For the Egyptian community in Spokane, the practice session represented a connection to their homeland and national pride, while also showcasing the city’s ability to host major international sporting events.
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