Salah Takes a Back Seat as Egypt Secures World Cup 2026, The Pharaohs Ready for a Cheerful Send-Off
10 October 2025
Key Decision: Salah Excluded as Egypt Seals World Cup Spot
Egypt's technical staff, led by coach Hossam Hassan, officially confirmed that Mohamed Salah will not feature in Sunday's final qualifier against Guinea-Bissau at Cairo International Stadium, as the Pharaohs have already secured a berth to the 2026 World Cup.
Qualification Secured, A Tactical Move
The win over Djibouti last outing guaranteed top position in the group, and Salah's absence is a strategic call to protect him after a demanding club-and-country schedule. The team clinched qualification with a 3-0 victory over Djibouti on Wednesday, with Salah scoring twice.
Salah's Scoring Record
With eight goals in the current African qualifiers, Salah remains the region's top scorer, and he is Africa's all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers with 20 goals, two more than Didier Drogba and Islam Slimani.
Resting Salah: Coordination and Fitness
A source within the camp said the decision was made in full coordination with Salah and the medical staff to safeguard his fitness, given the heavy workload in recent weeks for both his club and the national team.
Squad Depth and Training Notes
Coach Hassan underlined that Egypt possesses a talented group capable of covering Salah's absence, and the match offers a golden chance to trial new faces and give some players international exposure ahead of the next phase toward the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Training and Selection Ahead of the Guinea-Bissau Clash
The Pharaohs held their main training session at Cairo Stadium on Friday with all players available except Salah, Hamdi Fathi, and Marwan Attia, who were spared due to card suspensions. The session featured warm-up, tactical drills, and a lively scrimmage as the coach prepared to decide the XI.
Standings, Previous Encounters, and Expectations
Egypt lead Group A with 28 points, five clear of Burkina Faso. The sides drew 1-1 in the first meeting. Egypt has not conceded in their last five official matches and already qualified for the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. The atmosphere around Cairo Stadium is expected to be electric as fans celebrate the confirmed qualification.
Predicted Lineup and Kickoff Details
Hassan is anticipated to lean on Mustafa Fathi of Pyramids as a deply for Salah on the right, while Mohand Lasheen and Ahmed Nabil "Koka" are expected to slot into midfield to compensate for Hamdi Fathi and Marwan Attia. Mustafa Shobier could start in goal, with Yasser Ibrahim coming into defense in place of Rami Rabia. The match is set for 10:00 p.m. on Sunday at Cairo International Stadium.
Conclusion and Fan Note
Egypt's route to a fourth World Cup appearance remains on track, and the coach's decisions aim to keep the squad fresh for the road ahead while delivering a strong performance for the home crowd.
Punchline 1 (sniper-style): If resting Salah is a tactic, that’s a masterclass in couch-to-cup strategy—watch the opponents gasp for air while the Pharaohs sip water on the bench.
Punchline 2 (sniper-style): The rest is so well-timed that even the ball seems to yawn in anticipation—rested defense, rested attackers, and a well-rested sense of deja vu in Cairo.
