2026 World Cup: Mohamed Salah Leads Egypt Against Australia Tonight

Egyptian national team captain Mohamed Salah is set to start in the lineup against his Australian counterpart on Friday in Dallas, as part of the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite suffering from a hamstring strain.

Coach Hossam Hassan had raised doubts about the participation of the Pharaohs’ second-top scorer in the match during a press conference.

Speaking on the eve of the clash, Hassan said, “I will not risk (playing him) unless I feel he will be fit. We will see if he starts or not. But he will be heavily involved.”

Salah appeared in Thursday’s training session with the full squad and trained normally, though he applied an ice pack to his left thigh.

Salah was substituted in the 57th minute during the 1-1 draw with Iran in the third group stage match. The team’s doctor stated that scans revealed Salah was suffering from a hamstring strain.

Both Egypt and Australia are seeking their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout stage match when they face each other at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium.

The winner will advance to the Round of 16 to face either defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, or Cape Verde, making their World Cup debut.