Mohamed Salah Leads Egypt to Historic World Cup Victory

Mohamed Salah approached the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup with determination. “I think we need to focus on our camp and train hard. We’ll see in the group,” Salah stated, according to ESPN. “We want to make people proud, and we’ll do our best.” His words reflected someone aiming to fulfill a longstanding goal of World Cup success.

Salah had been pivotal in Egypt’s return to the World Cup since 1990, scoring the goal that qualified them in October 2017. However, Egypt lost all group stage matches at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and did not qualify for 2022. In what might be his last World Cup, Salah reignited Egyptian hopes with a stellar performance against New Zealand at BC Place in Vancouver on June 21.

New Zealand took an early lead with Finn Surman’s goal in the 15th minute. Mostafa Zico leveled the score at the 58th minute. Then, the spotlight shifted to Salah. He scored in the 67th minute and assisted Trezeguet’s goal in the 82nd minute, securing a 3-1 comeback and Egypt’s first-ever World Cup victory.

“What happened today is history for us, as Egyptians,” Salah remarked after his Man of the Match award. “It seems to other teams, it’s okay, but for us, as Egyptians, it doesn’t happen often.”

The Pharaohs began their 2026 World Cup journey with a 1-1 draw against Belgium, where Salah also scored. They now lead Group G with four points. Watching Salah excel in crucial moments is always a thrill, as Liverpool fans have observed over nine years.

The Athletic reports that Egypt has “over a 99% chance” to advance to the knockout stage and a 61% chance of winning Group G. Egypt has reached the World Cup knockout stage only once before, in 1934. They aim to secure their position with a match against Iran at Lumen Field in Seattle on June 26.