Salah starts as Egypt face Australia in World Cup Round of 32

Egypt’s national team took to the field in Arlington, Texas, on Friday evening for a must-win clash against Australia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mohamed Salah led the attack from the front after recovering from a hamstring strain, while Mahmoud Trezeguet and Ahmed Fatouh missed out through injury.

Last result: Argentina 3-2 Egypt (2026-07-07).

What are Egypt’s key lineup changes?

The Egypt coach named an unchanged XI up top, with Omar Marmoush partnering Salah after Trezeguet was dropped. In defence, Fatouh and Mohamed Abdelmonem were ruled out, so Karim Hafez and Yasser Ibrahim started instead. In midfield, Hamdy Fathy returned after injury, while Marawan Attia slotted in for Trezeguet.

How did Egypt prepare for the game?

Despite doubts over Salah’s fitness earlier in the week, the captain trained fully on Wednesday and Thursday in Arlington. Egypt’s camp kept the session closed to the media, but sources confirmed the 29-year-old completed all drills without discomfort. Australia, meanwhile, named an unchanged XI from their final group-stage draw with Paraguay, resting Mathew Leckie who remains sidelined with a knock.

What’s next for Egypt if they win?

If Egypt beat Australia, they will face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals in Dallas on July 12. A victory would keep alive hopes of reaching the last eight for the first time since 1990. The Pharaohs have struggled for consistency this summer, with their recent form reading one win, three draws, and one loss in their last five outings.

Egypt’s confirmed starting XI vs Australia

Teams lined up as follows:

Australia: Patrick Beach, Alessandro Circati, Jordan Bos, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O'Neill, Aziz Behich, Nestory Irankunda, Harry Souttar, Cristian Volpato, Jackson Irvine, Lucas Herrington.

Egypt: Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Rami Rabia, Karim Hafez, Hamdy Fathy, Marawan Attia, Mostafa Zico, Emam Ashour, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush.