Salah Sidelined with Muscle Strain as Egypt Prepares for World Cup Knockout Round

Egypt's medical team has confirmed that Mohamed Salah sustained a posterior muscle strain during the nation's group stage encounter with Iran, according to a statement from the Egyptian Football Association's physician Abu El-Ela.

The injury forced Salah's removal from the match, which ended in a 1-1 draw early Saturday morning. Following the setback, the Egyptian Football Association released word that diagnostic testing had identified the muscle strain, and the player has since commenced a treatment and recovery regimen.

Despite the injury concerns, Egypt has secured an historic berth in the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup—a first for the nation. The team advanced from Group Seven by finishing second with five points accumulated throughout the group stage.

The Egyptians will now travel to Dallas to face Australia in the round of 32 next Friday evening, as they continue their campaign in the tournament.