Salah reveals why he risked Panenka penalty as Egypt make World Cup history

Mohamed Salah has revealed he made a last-minute decision to attempt a Panenka penalty during Egypt’s dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 victory over Australia, saying he wanted to inspire confidence in his teammates on the biggest stage.

The seven-time African champions reached the last 16 for the first time after edging Australia in a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes in Dallas.

With the shoot-out level at 2-2 and Australia having already missed their opening spot-kick, Salah stepped up to take Egypt’s third penalty.

Rather than aiming for either corner, the former Liverpool forward calmly chipped the ball down the middle to beat substitute goalkeeper Mat Ryan, who had been introduced specifically for the shoot-out.

Hossam Abdelmaguid converted Egypt’s fourth penalty to seal a historic victory and book a place in the last 16.

Speaking after the match, Salah explained the thinking behind his audacious spot-kick.

“If somebody was going to do it, it would be me,” he said.

“I am more experienced than others, and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided at the last minute. I don’t know if it’s my last World Cup or not, but I had to do it.”

Although Salah was largely kept quiet during the match, he still created five chances as Egypt secured their first-ever knockout win at a FIFA World Cup.

The 33-year-old described the achievement as a landmark moment for Egyptian football.

“It’s history,” Salah said.

“I told the guys before the game that this is the biggest stage you can play on, so enjoy it and don’t let the pressure get to you.

“I’m glad that we managed to win the game. Bad luck for them, they lost on penalties. But I’m happy that we wrote history today.”

Egypt’s reward is a blockbuster last-16 meeting with Argentina, setting up a highly anticipated clash between Salah and Lionel Messi after the South Americans survived a major scare to defeat Cabo Verde in their Round of 32 encounter.