Salah vows to rebuild Egyptian football after Argentina's stoppage-time World Cup comeback

Mohamed Salah has promised to deliver a “fresh start for Egyptian football” after the Pharaohs were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Argentina in a dramatic last-16 tie in Atlanta.

Egypt appeared to be heading for a quarter-final berth, leading 2-0 through goals from Yassir Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico, only for Argentina to score three times late on — through Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez — to win 3-2 and advance to a quarter-final against Switzerland.

Days after the defeat, the 34-year-old posted an emotional message to Egyptian supporters. “I know you’re still upset, but I promise you that I’ll do everything in my power to ensure this marks a fresh start for Egyptian football on the international stage,” Salah wrote. “Qualifying for the World Cup won’t be enough, and just participating won’t cut it either. This team deserves your trust.”

Salah ended the tournament with one goal and two assists, all accumulated during the group stage. He also believed he had contributed a further assist in the defeat, when Zico appeared to double Egypt’s lead in the second half only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for a foul in the build-up.

Egypt’s coaching staff were furious that a similar foul was not called during the build-up to Argentina’s winning goal. Manager Hossam Hassan did not hold back in his post-match assessment. “Why isn’t there any fairness in sport? In football? We have been treated unfairly today. We have suffered injustice,” he said.

Hassan went further, suggesting commercial interests may have influenced officiating decisions. “It could be a matter of marketing — they could want to make a World Cup with the champion of the last World Cup, they want Messi to exist in the tournament,” he added.

The defeat also closes a chapter in Salah’s club career: his contract at Liverpool expired earlier this summer, leaving his next destination unconfirmed. His focus, for now, appears firmly fixed on the international stage and the long-term ambitions he has set for his country.