FIFA World Cup 2026: Mohamed Salah starts for Egypt against Australia
Texas, July 3
Mohamed Salah has recovered from a hamstring injury and has been included for Egypt in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Australia on Friday, providing a major boost after being considered doubtful earlier in the week.
The Liverpool forward trained with the squad in the lead-up to the match and has been declared fit to lead the attack, as per Reuters.
Omar Marmoush returns to the starting XI alongside Salah, replacing Mahmoud Trezeguet in attack. However, Egypt have been forced into defensive changes, with left-back Ahmed Fatouh and centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem ruled out through injury.
Karim Hafez and Yasser Ibrahim come into the side, while Hamdy Fathy has recovered from injury to anchor the midfield, with Marawan Attia also starting.
Australia, meanwhile, have named an unchanged lineup from the side that drew with Paraguay in their final group-stage match.
Head coach Graham Arnold has retained the same XI despite making six changes for that fixture, although experienced forward Mathew Leckie remains unavailable due to injury.
Australia: Patrick Beach, Alessandro Circati, Jordan Bos, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O'Neill, Aziz Behich, Nestory Irankunda, Harry Souttar, Cristian Volpato, Jackson Irvine, Lucas Herrington.
Egypt: Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Rami Rabia, Karim Hafez, Hamdy Fathy, Marawan Attia, Mostafa Zico, Emam Ashour, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who loves watching Salah from India, I'm excited! Egypt's defense is weakened with Fatouh and Abdelmonem out, but with Salah upfront, anything is possible. Australia better watch out! ⚽
Australia's persistence with same XI after Paraguay draw is risky. Egypt with Salah and Marmoush up top can dismantle any defense. This is going to be a thriller!
Happy to see Salah recovered! But I wonder if rushing him back could lead to reinjury. Egypt should manage his minutes carefully. Graham Arnold's tactical setup is no joke either.
As an Indian football fan, this match feels huge! Salah vs Australia's strong midfield like Irvine and O'Neill—great contest. Egypt's heart is strong but they need defensive solidity today.
It's so great to see a player like Salah recover and play for his country at the World Cup! Hoping Egypt goes through—they have so much passion and talent. ❤️🇪🇬
One must respect Graham Arnold's decision to keep faith in his squad after a draw. But Egypt's attacking firepower—Salah and Marmoush—is scary! Australia's young players like Irankunda will need to step up.
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