World Cup 2026: Egypt star Mohamed Salah doubtful for crucial Australia clash

Egypt star Mohamed Salah is a major doubt for the2026 World Cup Round of 32 match against Australia due to muscle injury.

The pacey winger and experienced winger suffered a strain in the posterior muscles during the 1-1 draw against Iran in Egypt’s final Group G fixture, a result that secured their historic qualification to the knockout stage.

Salah was forced off in the 57th minute of the match after feeling discomfort, sparking immediate concern over the severity of the injury.

According to Egypt’s team doctor, Dr. Mohamed Aboul Ela, the forward has already begun rehabilitation but remains under close medical supervision.

“He is suffering from a strain in the posterior muscles, following pains he felt during the Iran match, leading to his substitution,” Dr. Aboul Ela confirmed. “The player has begun implementing his treatment program.”

However, the medical team did not provide a specific timeline for recovery, leaving his participation in the Australia match in serious doubt.

Head coach Hossam Hassan attempted to ease concerns, suggesting the injury may not be severe after speaking directly with the player.

“I spoke with Salah and, God willing, the injury doesn’t seem serious,” Hassan said. “He assured me it would be fine, that it’s not a serious injury.”

Despite the optimism from the technical staff, uncertainty remains high, especially given Salah’s importance to Egypt’s attacking structure throughout the tournament. He has been central to their qualification campaign, contributing goals and assists that helped guide the team into the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

Egypt finished second in Group G, and Salah’s influence was widely seen as decisive in their progress. His possible absence now presents a major challenge ahead of one of the most important matches in the nation’s football history.

The forward’s recent injury history has also added to concern, having previously dealt with a similar muscle issue earlier in the year that sidelined him for several weeks.

With the Australia clash approaching, Egypt now face an anxious wait to determine whether their captain will be fit enough to feature or whether they will be forced to face the knockout stage without their key talisman.