Egyptian-Australians are facing a unique dilemma ahead of Saturday's World Cup knockout match between the Pharaohs and the Socceroos, with many torn between supporting their heritage and their adopted home. The 45,000-strong Egyptian-Australian diaspora is split emotionally, as described by musician Joseph Tawadros, who is "split down the middle, 50-50."
Conflicted Loyalties in the Diaspora
Tawadros, known for playing the oud, posted a video wearing a fez with an Australian flag and corks, performing a mashup of Waltzing Matilda and the Egyptian folk song Teleat Ya Mahla Nourha. He says, "If Australia advance, I'll be happy. If Egypt advance, I'll be happy," hoping fans will support the winner regardless. This sentiment echoes across the community.
Ayman Adly, co-owner of Alexander Mediterranean Restaurant in Gladesville, Sydney, says his "heart is with Egypt" but his "brain is with Australia." He migrated eight years ago and notes, "Because we are away from our home, sport gives us a way to be attached with our country, especially for second and third generation [Egyptians]."
Football as a Cultural Force
Egypt's consul general in Sydney, Reem Zahran, calls football "simply part of who we are." She says, "I honestly don't think I've ever met an Egyptian who doesn't love football." The sport unites Egyptians across religion and social class, with 85% of adults following the English Premier League since Mohamed Salah joined Liverpool in 2017.
Egypt's World Cup performance has been historic, with their 3-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver marking their first ever win and sending them to the knockout stage for the first time. This is only their fourth World Cup appearance, after 1934, 1990, and 2018.
Bittersweet Excitement
Zahran describes the matchup as "exciting" but "bittersweet," adding, "It's a little sad that one team has to end the other's World Cup journey. At the same time, it's a very special moment. Many people in our community proudly call both countries home."
Hesham El Masry, owner of Cairo Takeaway in Newtown, Sydney, which hosted about 100 fans for Egypt's game against Iran, says he's in "uncharted territory." Born and raised in Australia, he says, "I love Kunda [Nestory Irankunda] and I love the side. But this one, it's very strange. Usually you always have a gut instinct, but I haven't decided yet."
Community Gatherings and Shared Joy
Last Saturday, during Egypt's 1-1 draw against Iran, Alexander Mediterranean Restaurant was packed with Egyptian fans. When Egypt scored, a woman played a drum and children jumped. Similar scenes occurred at Cairo Takeaway, with about 100 people crammed around a small TV. El Masry reflects, "It's been a bit of a shit world lately. Sometimes sporting events like this make us forget and rejoice and be happy. You feel it in the air."
Regardless of the result, Zahran believes the community wins: "Whatever the result on Saturday, the Egyptian Australian community will be the winner because this match celebrates both sides of their identity."
