Mohamed Salah’s influence within Egyptian football could soon extend beyond the pitch, with the national team captain set to play a role in efforts to attract dual-nationality players, according to a senior Football Association official.
Mustafa Abu Zahra, a member of the Egyptian Football Association board, revealed that Salah expressed strong willingness to assist the FA in ongoing discussions with Egyptian players eligible to represent more than one country.
The disclosure followed a conversation between the two after Egypt’s defeat to Nigeria in the third-place match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Abu Zahra said: “I spoke with Salah after the Nigeria match. His heart is with the country, and he expressed his readiness to cooperate on more than one issue, including Egyptian players with dual nationality, whom we are currently in talks with.”
He added that the Liverpool forward made his position clear on national duty, stating: “Salah told me, ‘I am at the country’s service at any time. If the Football Association needs me for anything, I am ready to help and ready to serve football in Egypt.’”
Stability Backed at the Top
Alongside Salah’s off-field role, the FA also moved to shut down speculation surrounding the future of head coach Hossam Hassan.
Despite Egypt finishing fourth at AFCON 2025, Abu Zahra insisted continuity remains the priority as preparations begin for the 2026 World Cup.
“Hossam Hassan is the head coach of the Egypt national team at the 2026 World Cup, and there is no intention to change that. We will play four friendly matches before the tournament,” he said.
The statement signals a clear vote of confidence in Hassan, who took charge amid high expectations and guided Egypt to the latter stages of the continental tournament.
AFCON Exit and Looking Ahead
Egypt’s AFCON campaign ended without a medal after a penalty shootout loss to Nigeria, but the FA believes the tournament provided important building blocks ahead of World Cup qualification and the finals themselves.
Abu Zahra also praised Salah’s leadership during the competition, underlining his importance both now and in the years ahead. “Mohamed Salah set a wonderful example throughout the competition, and I hope he continues with the national team for as long as possible,” he said.
