Mohamed Salah Declared Fit for Egypt’s World Cup Knockout Clash Against Australia

Egypt’s talismanic forward Mohamed Salah has been declared fit and available for selection in their crucial World Cup last-32 match against Australia. The news comes as a significant boost for the Pharaohs, who will rely on their star player’s brilliance in the knockout stages.

Salah was seen training with his teammates on Thursday, and head coach Hossam Hassan confirmed the player’s readiness to feature in the important fixture. While his availability is certain, the coach remains undecided on whether Salah will start the match or come off the bench.

Por que importa

Salah’s fitness had been a concern after he was substituted in Egypt’s final group game against Iran with a hamstring strain. The injury appeared similar to one he sustained earlier in the year for Liverpool, raising fears of a lengthy layoff. However, the forward has made a rapid recovery and was observed moving freely during recent training sessions.

Key facts

Coach Hassan addressed the media ahead of the match, confirming Salah’s fitness and his eagerness to contribute. “We look forward to him playing tomorrow, though we are not sure whether he is going to be in the starting lineup,” Hassan stated. He added that Salah himself is keen to make an impact.

Contexto

The Egyptian camp also discussed their approach to facing a physically imposing Australian side, captained by the towering 1.98-metre defender Harry Souttar. Coach Hassan downplayed concerns about height, drawing parallels to legendary players like Maradona and Messi, who were not the tallest but achieved greatness. He emphasized that football is a game of skill and strategy, not just physical stature, and expressed confidence in his team’s preparedness.

Egypt enters the knockout round having secured second place in Group G, behind Belgium. The team’s performances in the group stage saw Salah score once and provide two assists, bringing his international goal tally to 68, just one behind his coach’s record for Egypt’s all-time leading scorer.

The Socceroos, meanwhile, will be without winger Mat Leckie and fullback Jacob Italiano. Australia’s coach Tony Popovic faces selection decisions, including whether to continue with Jordy Bos at right back following a promising performance.

The winner of the Egypt versus Australia match will advance to face the victor of the Argentina v Cape Verde tie in the next round.

Source: The Guardian Football – https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/03/egypt-mo-salah-fit-to-play-australia-socceroos-after-injury