Salah starting after hamstring injury in Egypt’s World Cup knockout debut

By: The Associated Press Posted: 11:55 AM CDT Friday, Jul. 3, 2026

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mohamed Salah is in the starting lineup for Egypt's debut in the knockout round of the World Cup against Australia despite a hamstring injury sustained in the group stage finale.

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ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Mohamed Salah is in the starting lineup for Egypt’s debut in the knockout round of the World Cup against Australia despite a hamstring injury sustained in the group stage finale.

The former Liverpool star was set for the start at the home of the Dallas Cowboys on Friday, a day after coach Hossam Hassan said through a translator he was hopeful Salah would play but might have to come off the bench.

Salah needs one goal to tie Hassan’s Egyptian record of 69 international goals. The 34-year-old team captain has appeared in 119 international matches.

Egypt's Mohamed Salah (10) participates in a training session in Dallas, Thursday, July 2, 2026, ahead of the team's World Cup soccer match against Australia. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Salah was replaced in the 57th minute of Egypt’s 1-1 draw against Iran that sent the Pharaohs to the knockout round for the first time in their fourth World Cup. Hassan said Salah went through limited training in the days before the Australia game.