Mohamed Salah's hamstring strain casts doubt on Egypt's World Cup knockout against Australia

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah sustained a posterior muscle/hamstring strain during the 1‑1 Group G draw with Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He was substituted in the second half and subsequent scans confirmed the injury. The Egyptian Football Association said he began a rehabilitation programme and that coach Hossam Hassan considered the injury not serious, though his availability for the Round of 32 match remains uncertain.

Two other Egyptian players, Ahmed Fathy (ankle bruise) and Mohamed Abdel‑Moneim (possible posterior muscle tear), were also listed as doubtful. Egypt is scheduled to face Australia in the knockout stage on 3 July, with the venue in the United States (reported as Arlington/Dallas). The injury update comes as Egypt prepares to defend its place in the last‑16.