Mohamed Salah has assured Egypt boss Hossam Hassan “he’s going to be okay”, after he was substituted during the 1-1 draw with Iran.
The Pharaohs have advanced from the World Cup group stages for the first time, following a second-place finish behind Belgium in Group G.
Egypt, who will play Australia in the round of 32, were already guaranteed to progress before a ball was kicked against Iran, though there were concerns when Salah was withdrawn early in the second half.
The forward was later spotted with ice strapped to his left hamstring, and though Egypt are still waiting to learn the full extent of the problem, Hassan is optimistic.
“Salah asked to be replaced, but we still don’t know the diagnosis,” he said in quotes carried by Al-Ahram. “Since he felt something, it means there is something. He will undergo scans, and we hope for the best.”
“I talked to Salah, and he said he’s going to be okay, and it’s not a big injury. We still have time to talk to the medical staff. I think he will be back.
“I congratulate all Egyptian people. We dominated possession throughout the game. We qualified for the next round for the first time, and we missed the top of the group only on goal difference.”
The points are shared between Egypt and IR Iran#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 27, 2026
Meanwhile, Iran face a nervous wait to find out whether they will qualify for the knockout stages for the first time, as one of the best third-placed sides.
Iran, who missed an earlier penalty through Mehdi Taremi, thought they had scored a stoppage-time winner through Shoja Khalilzadeh, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei rued his side’s “bad luck”, but hopes they will not pay for their profligacy, having only converted one of the 13 chances they created throughout the contest.
“There are rules, and it’s all based on technology, I accept that,” he told reporters during his post-match press conference. “Because of millimeters, our goal was ruled out. That’s justice. But I’m upset by the bad luck.
“We conceded from their only real opportunity, while we failed to convert 10 chances. Despite all the difficulties we have faced, I don’t think football justice was on our side today.
“Let me say how proud I am of my country, my people and this team. It was a fantastic match and I believe everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. We created so many chances and deserved to win.”
“Now, we have to wait and see what happens. I would also like to thank all the Iranian fans, both inside and outside the stadium, for their tremendous support.”
