Egypt’s national football team is set to make their fourth World Cup appearance, kicking off this Monday in Seattle against Belgium. This opening game is especially significant as it coincides with the 34th birthday of their star player, Mohamed Salah. As the oldest football team in Africa, Egypt has a rich history, yet they struggle to translate their successes in the Africa Cup of Nations into World Cup victories.
Egypt’s World Cup Journey
Despite being a prominent team in African football, Egypt has yet to secure a win in their three prior World Cup campaigns. This year, the expectations are high, particularly with the influence of Salah, who has been a pivotal player for both his club and country. His performances will be crucial if Egypt hopes to change their World Cup fortunes.
Salah’s Recent Performance
Salah enters this World Cup on the heels of a tumultuous season with Liverpool. Although he shone in the 2024/2025 season, tallying an impressive 34 goals and 23 assists, his recent form has been less impressive, registering only 12 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances. This dip is surprising given his previous consistency, as he had always been a standout player. With the uncertainty surrounding his club future, the national team will rely heavily on him to regain his exceptional form.
Fortunately for Egypt, Salah’s track record during the World Cup Qualifiers has been remarkable. In seven matches, Egypt was unbeaten, securing five victories and two draws while dominating their opponents, outscoring them 20-2. Salah contributed significantly, netting nine goals and providing three assists. His ability to perform on the international stage, particularly against notable opponents, suggests he still possesses the potential to deliver outstanding performances for his country.
The Motivation Behind the Mission
As the tournament progresses, Salah has additional motivation to elevate his game. He is currently just two goals shy of matching Egypt’s head coach, Hossam Hassan, with a total of 67 international goals. With the group stage featuring challenges against Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, while it’s unlikely Egypt will hoist the trophy, the opportunity for Salah to secure his first World Cup win for his country is significant.
The squad is not solely reliant on Salah, though his brilliance overshadows the rest of the team’s talent. Players like Omar Marmoush, who initially looked to be stepping into a prominent role, have seen their performances dip since joining Manchester City after a successful stint in Germany. While newer talents like 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim offer hope, the remainder of the squad primarily consists of players from the domestic league, lacking the same level of global recognition that Salah commands.
Strategic Play in the Group Stages
In their match against Belgium, expect Egypt to adopt a defensive strategy, aiming to curtail the opposition’s attacks while waiting for opportunities to unleash Salah on the wing. This approach has historically proven to be effective for the Egyptian team and will be key to their hopes of achieving success in the tournament. While lifting the trophy may remain a distant dream, securing their first World Cup victory would undoubtedly mark a momentous achievement for Egypt and their talismanic player, Mohamed Salah.