Egypt Confirms Mohamed Salah in World Cup Squad — Star Forward Fit Despite Late-Season Hamstring Injury

Egypt announced their preliminary World Cup squad on May 20, with Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah confirmed in the selection despite sustaining a hamstring injury in late April that ended his club season. Egypt's medical staff confirmed Salah is expected to be fit for the tournament — his first match the Group G opener against Belgium on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Egypt's Group G is one of the most politically charged at the tournament: they face Iran (June 26 at Lumen Field, Seattle — their only Group G match not in Los Angeles), Belgium, and New Zealand. Salah is the focal point of Egypt's attack; his presence gives the Pharaohs a realistic chance of advancing from a competitive group. Group G is also notable for the Iran visa crisis: the Zurich summit on May 20 took place on the same day Egypt announced their squad, with both teams potentially set to face each other on June 26 in Seattle.