Ahmed Fathi backs Mohamed Salah to shine for Egypt at 2026 World Cup

Former Egypt captain Ahmed Fathi has expressed strong belief that Mohamed Salah can lead the Pharaohs to success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“I believe he [Mohamed Salah] will achieve something with the Pharaohs at the 2026 World Cup,” Fathi told AFP, reflecting on his long-standing admiration for the Liverpool star.

Fathi, who played alongside Salah in the early stages of his international career, including at the London 2012 Olympics and the 2018 World Cup, highlighted the forward’s consistent influence on the national team.

“I played with him since the early days of his international career – we were together at the London 2012 Olympics and the 2018 World Cup. He always made the difference, and I hope he will do it again in the United States,” he added.

Egypt head into the global tournament with renewed optimism after being handed a manageable Group G draw alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Iran, a scenario that has raised hopes of a strong campaign.

Salah, who continues to be the face of Egyptian football, was named in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2019. The publication described him as an “iconic figure for Egyptians, Scousers and Muslims the world over.”

Beyond football, the Liverpool forward has also used his global platform to advocate for social causes, including calls for greater gender equality in parts of the Arab world.

He has also urged for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza following Israeli air strikes in October 2023, further cementing his status as a global sporting and cultural figure.