Egypt captain Mohamed Salah injured ahead of World Cup knockout match

Egyptian Football Federation officials said captain Mohamed Salah suffered a left‑thigh muscle strain during the 1‑1 draw with Iran, forcing his substitution after 12 minutes of the second half. The injury puts his participation in the round‑of‑16 clash against Australia on 3 July in Dallas in doubt, though treatment has begun and the federation hopes he will recover.

The team also faces other fitness setbacks: left‑back Ahmed Fatouh endured a similar muscle rupture, and defender Mohamed Abdelmonem was ruled out after a severe ankle injury. Despite these challenges, striker Mostafa Ziko – formally Mostafa Mohamed Zaky Abdelraouf – has drawn attention as Egypt’s breakthrough attacker at the tournament. Playing for the club Pyramids, the 29‑year‑old has been praised for his speed and finishing, earning the nickname “Ziko” in homage to Brazilian legend Zico and becoming a focal point of Egypt’s attack.