CAIRO, June 16 — Egypt’s new administrative capital hosted thousands of football enthusiasts at the newly launched Egyptian Fan Zone for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday.
The gathering, which saw Egypt hold Belgium to a 1-1 draw, also highlighted the country’s efforts to develop fourth-generation smart city infrastructure. Located within the Green River district, east of Cairo, the massive sports and entertainment hub was organized by United Media Services in cooperation with Egyptian government authorities. Designed to resemble a fully integrated football stadium, the zone features engineered stands and optimized seating layouts intended to help manage large public gatherings safely. “The zone offers a secure, highly organized urban alternative for Egyptian families seeking to follow international sports events outside congested traditional areas,” said engineer Amr Rezq Sabry. He added that the integration of recreational services and dedicated children’s areas reflects a significant qualitative leap in domestic crowd management.
At the center of the facility stands a giant broadcasting screen measuring 30 meters in height and 70 meters in width. The venue is also supported by digital broadcasting, audio and visual systems, ensuring synchronized high-definition coverage across the panoramic site. Karim Mahmoud, a university student from Cairo, said the stadium-like design offers young people an interactive environment comparable to regional and international arenas. The venue witnessed a vibrant atmosphere under stadium-style floodlights, with coordinated chants, flag-waving and drumbeats echoing the feel of a live World Cup stadium. “This zone serves as a technological showcase for the new administrative capital, practically demonstrating the capacity of domestic entities to manage large-scale public events using modern digital techniques,” Mahmoud said. Egypt is making its fourth World Cup appearance, after 1934, 1990 and 2018.
