Salah in Race to Face Australia as Egypt Eye Historic World Cup Knockout Win
Last update: July 2, 2026
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Will the King be fit in time? Egypt sweats on Mohamed Salah’s hamstring as they chase a first ever knockout victory against Australia.
It is touch and go for Mohamed Salah ahead of Egypt’s last 32 World Cup clash with Australia in Dallas on Friday, cbinews.tv reports.
The forward is still working his way back from a hamstring strain he picked up in Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran. And with the Pharaohs in the knockout rounds for the very first time, coach Hossam Hassan will be desperate to have his star man available.
Egypt crashed out at the group stage in both 1990 and 2018, so this is new ground. Salah’s fitness is the big talking point.
A video posted to social media on Wednesday showed the 34 year old in the gym, training away from his teammates. It has sparked hope he could feature at Dallas Stadium.
“The road back begins,” read the caption. “And the King is coming back stronger.”
Egypt booked their spot as runners up in Group G after beating New Zealand, drawing 0-0 with Belgium, and then drawing with Iran.
On the other side, the Socceroos are trying to win a knockout tie for the first time too. This is the third time they have made it past the groups and their second World Cup in a row. In Qatar 2022, they were knocked out in the last 16 by eventual winners Argentina under Graham Arnold.
Tony Popovic’s side opened their 2026 campaign with a win over Turkey, then lost 2-0 to the United States, before a 0-0 draw with Paraguay saw them finish second in Group D.
Unsurprisingly, Salah has dominated Australia’s build up. But full back Jordan Bos insists the Aussies will not be overawed if they come up against the Premier League and Champions League winner.
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