Ashraf AboArafe
IN an interview filled with warmth and deep nostalgia, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Cairo, Mr. Salih Mutlu Şen, opened his heart to Cairo24, mapping out a beautiful mosaic that connects a storied footballing past with grand visions for the 2026 World Cup.
Echoes of Childhood on Black-and-White Screens
When the phrase “World Cup” is uttered, the Ambassador is instantly transported back to his youth in the late 1970s and early 1980s. As a boarding school student in Eskişehir, he vividly recalls gathering around a black-and-white television set, watching in awe as the legendary Diego Maradona emerged onto the global stage. It was a formative era, deeply etched into his personal memory, where his lifelong passion for the tournament was born.
The Magic of Turkish Football Culture
Reflecting on what makes Turkish football so captivating, Ambassador Şen describes it as a brilliant hybrid. It is a unique blend where the tactical discipline of European football meets the raw, unbridled passion and individual artistry of Latin American play—a combination that ensures every match is packed with emotion and high quality.
The Glory of 2002 and the Road to 2026
The unforgettable saga of the 2002 World Cup naturally took center stage. The Ambassador recalled with immense pride how Turkey defeated co-hosts Japan and South Korea, navigating a thrilling journey that culminated in a historic third-place finish, despite a narrow 1–2 semi-final loss to a formidable Brazil.
Fast forwarding to the present, he spoke of the immense pressure and bated breath during the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Facing a resilient Kosovo team on their home turf, Turkey managed to break the deadlock in the second half, sealing a hard-fought victory just in time to avoid the unpredictable drama of a penalty shootout.
The Voice of Justice: Defending the Pharaohs Against a “FIFA Disgrace”
The conversation took a sharp and passionate turn as Ambassador Şen fiercely defended the Egyptian national team regarding their recent, highly controversial match against Argentina. The Ambassador revealed that he had internally predicted a 3–2 victory for Egypt and even attempted to publish his forecast on social media, though technical difficulties prevented it.
With profound indignation, he labeled the refereeing decisions during the match as “shameful and scandalous,” stating they would go down as a “stain on the history of FIFA.” He pointed out that the disallowed legitimate Egyptian goal, the controversial penalty awarded to Argentina, and the referee’s absolute refusal to review VAR before Argentina’s third goal were catastrophic errors. “The true, rightful score of that match was 3–2 in favor of Egypt,” the Ambassador firmly declared.
Adoration for Salah, Respect for “El-Amid,” and the Prostrating Team
Highlighting the deep cultural and emotional bonds between the Turkish and Egyptian peoples, Ambassador Şen noted that Turkish fans are deeply eager to see global superstar Mohamed Salah play in the Turkish Süper Lig, where he enjoys immense popularity. He also expressed great admiration for Egypt’s manager, Hossam Hassan, stating that “El-Amid” has completely won the hearts of the Turkish public through his passionate, justified touchline protests during the World Cup and his honorable, unwavering solidarity with Palestine.
Furthermore, the Ambassador spoke with visible emotion about how deeply the Turkish people were moved by the spiritual rituals of the Egyptian players, who prostrated in gratitude (Sujud) on the pitch and gathered in the locker room to recite Surah Al-Ikhlas and Al-Fatiha after the match. He reaffirmed that the entire Turkish nation stands wholeheartedly behind the Pharaohs.
Legends of the Past and Stars of the Future
Journeying through Turkey’s footballing pantheon, the Ambassador paid homage to mid-century icons like Lefter Küçükandonyadis and Cemil Turan, as well as the golden-goal hero of 2002, İlhan Mansız—a fellow native of Eskişehir who famously shocked Senegal in extra time.
Looking ahead to the grand stage of 2026, he confidently pointed to Arda Güler. The young Real Madrid prodigy, he predicts, is destined to be one of the brightest shining stars of the upcoming tournament, capturing the world’s attention with his phenomenal talent.
World Cup Prophecies and Heartfelt Messages
While Ambassador Şen acknowledges that the group stage will be highly challenging—particularly facing the United States on their home soil—his heart boldly wishes to see Turkey reach the semi-finals once again. When assessing the ultimate contenders, he realistically foresees a clash of titans, naming Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, England, and France as the heavy favorites to lift the trophy.
Concluding his conversation, the Ambassador sent an inspiring message of solidarity to the Turkish national team, urging them to recreate the magic of the past. He then turned with a special warmth to the Egyptian public, reiterating that Egypt remains the strongest powerhouse in Africa. He emphasized that with a global icon like Mohamed Salah and a unified team spirit, Egypt has every capability to reach the deepest knockout rounds, warmly promising that, second only to Turkey, he would be cheering loudest for Egypt.
To watch the full interview and experience this warm footballing dialogue, visit the following: link:
