Salah limps off with knee injury as Egypt's World Cup last-16 hopes hang in balance

Mohamed Salah was forced off with a left knee injury during Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran at the 2026 World Cup on Friday, casting serious doubt over his participation in the Pharaohs’ last-32 meeting with Australia next week.

The Egypt captain was withdrawn on 57 minutes and was spotted watching the remainder of the game from the bench with ice wrapped around his leg. Coach Hossam Hassan confirmed Salah will undergo a full medical assessment before the knockout fixture.

“I talked to Salah and he said he’s going to be OK and it’s not a big injury,” Hassan said. “We still have time to talk to the medical staff. I think he will be back, and when I spoke to Salah he assured me he’s going to be OK.”

The early substitution is a significant concern for Egypt regardless of the coach’s cautious optimism. Salah has been central to their campaign, scoring his 68th international goal in the Pharaohs’ opening 3-1 victory over New Zealand — their first win at this World Cup — and contributing two assists across the tournament.

Egypt progressed from Group G as runners-up, though they needed a fortunate escape in stoppage time against Iran, when a potential winner for their opponents was ruled out for offside. Belgium’s 5-1 demolition of New Zealand confirmed the group standings, with the Belgians advancing as winners.

Iran remain alive in the competition but must now rely on results elsewhere to advance as one of the best third-placed sides — their fate no longer in their own hands. New Zealand are eliminated without a win.

Egypt face Australia in their last-32 tie next Friday. Whether Salah — who has never previously appeared in a World Cup knockout match — will be fit to feature remains the defining question ahead of that fixture.