World Cup 2026: Mohamed Salah pledges a "new beginning for Egyptian football"

Mohamed Salah pledged that the 2026 World Cup would mark a “new beginning for Egyptian football,” following the unprecedented achievement he and his teammates secured by leading the national team to the round of 16 before their campaign ended at the hands of defending champions Argentina.

Speaking on social media on the day the national team returned to the country after their historic run at the North American World Cup, Salah said, “I know you are still feeling sad, but I promise to do everything I can to ensure that this becomes a new beginning for Egyptian football on the international stage.”

Salah added, “Qualifying for the World Cup will not be enough, and participation alone is not enough. This team deserves your trust.”

The “Pharaohs” appeared poised to strip Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates of their world title, having led 2-0 until the 79th minute, before the South American giant turned the tables and emerged victorious 3-2 with a last-minute equalizer.

Egyptian fans celebrated their heroes on Friday, who had secured the Pharaohs’ first-ever World Cup victory, their first-ever qualification for the knockout stage, and their first-ever win in that stage, before their unprecedented journey ended in the round of 16.

Unlike his debut appearance in the 2018 edition, the 34-year-old Salah, who had decided to end his successful stint with English club Liverpool, appeared more relaxed, dancing in the locker room and singing with fans in the streets.

Egypt’s first-ever victory in the finals, achieved in their fourth participation with a 3-1 win over New Zealand in the second group stage match, undoubtedly relieved the pressure on Salah.

Now, the question remains where his next club adventure will take him, as he closes the curtain on nine successful years at Liverpool, during which he won several titles, most notably the Premier League in 2020 and 2025, and the UEFA Champions League in 2019.