Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan hopes that his talisman Mohamed Salah will be fit to face Australia in their FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 match on Friday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Egyptian football legend Hassan spoke to reporters on Thursday evening ahead of his country’s first ever World Cup knockout game billed for the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Salah was replaced early in the second half of Egypt’s final group game against Iran but Hassan is hopeful that the Pharaoh’s new found playmaker will take part in Friday’s game.
“We have introduced Salah to a special training since yesterday after good work with our physiotherapist. But I am not willing to take many risks.
“I feel he might play a part in the game but not sure if it will be from the starting line up. That’s why we have brought twenty-six players here and we trust everyone to play when needed,” said Hassan, an accomplished striker during his playing days.
Hossam Hassan who himself played at the 1990 FIFA World Cup with the Pharaohs has masterminded an unbeaten side so far in the 2026 tournament.
Asked if he will be playing with Argentina possibly coming next at the back of his mind, Hassan could not care less; insisting that his side are fully focused on the task against the Socceroos.
“I am fully focused on the game against Australia. I am not one that thinks about what has not happened. I don’t care if it’s Argentina next or not, our full focus is to win against Australia.”
Playing against Australia ranked 18th tallest side at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Hossam Hassan does not expect that to count as a big advantage against his side.
“We don’t care much about the height (of the Australians). Maradona was not a tall player, Messi is also not tall so football goes beyond just height. We also have tall players with good jumping quality so we will face whatever comes at us,” he added.
