Wed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:39amWed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:39amSalah finally delivers Egypt major global momentBy Simon Smale(Getty Images)Egypt's Mohamed Salah has spent much of his international career carrying the expectations of a football-mad nation while enduring World Cup disappointment, Africa Cup of Nations heartbreak and public disputes with the country's FA.Now, whatever happens today against Argentina, the outgoing Liverpool forward has finally produced an achievement that had long eluded him and Egypt.By captaining the Pharaohs to the knockout stage for the first time, Salah has secured a place in their football history.Before the finals, Egypt had never won a match at the World Cup."It's history," Salah told reporters."I told the boys before the game, 'Guys, this is the biggest stage you could play in your life. So just enjoy it. Don't let the pressure get into you and not enjoy the moment.'"I'm glad that we managed to win the game."The celebrations have continued well beyond the pitch.After each of Egypt's victories, Salah has been at the centre of the festivities, carrying a portable speaker as teammates sang and danced in the dressing room before taking the celebrations onto the street outside the team's hotel.The scenes have become one of the defining images of Egypt's World Cup campaign, reflecting a captain visibly enjoying an international success that had long proved elusive.(AP Photo)Despite battling a hamstring strain suffered in the group stage, Salah has scored, provided two assists and created 16 chances in four games, underlining his influence on Egypt's run.Against Australia, the 34-year-old played all 120 minutes before calmly converting a Panenka penalty in the shootout.Salah's Egypt career has often been defined by disappointment despite his status as one of the world's leading forwards.He scored the penalty that qualified Egypt for the 2018 World Cup after a 28-year absence, only to arrive in Russia carrying a shoulder injury sustained in the Champions League final weeks earlier as the team exited in the group stage.Egypt also lost Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2017 and 2021 during his tenure, while Salah was involved in several public disagreements with the Egyptian FA over issues including image rights, travel arrangements and the team's management.His willingness to play through injury against Australia has earned widespread praise in Egypt, and he now has another chance to add to his legacy against Lionel Messi's Argentina.Whatever the outcome, Salah has already changed the narrative around his international career, leading Egypt to a World Cup run that generations of his predecessors were unable to deliver and providing the international success that had long been missing from one of football's most decorated careers.ReutersWed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:32amWed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:32amEgypt coach says he may wave Palestine flag againBy Simon Smale(Getty Images)Political tensions surrounding the World Cup deepened on Monday when Egypt coach Hossam Hassan used an official FIFA press conference to appeal for support for Palestinians ahead of his side's last-16 meeting with Argentina.Egypt take on Argentina in the last 16 on Tuesday, and while Hassan dealt with questions about Lionel Messi and his team's chances against the holders, he also spoke at length about the Palestinians."If a person anywhere in the world does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they have lost part of their humanity," he told reporters after one had asked him about waving the Palestinian flag after Egypt eliminated Australia in the last 32 in Dallas last Friday, and whether he might do it again if they upset Argentina."What came out of me was simply a human reaction. Before being Arab, Muslim, Christian or anything else, I am a human being. Through football — the world's soft power — I want to send a message: please let the Palestinian people live. I ask athletes and journalists everywhere to help deliver that message."When people speak about human rights, animal rights, and justice, we should also speak about Palestinian civilians."FIFA's Laws of the Game and tournament regulations prohibit political slogans on equipment, but Reuters could not immediately identify a rule preventing coaches from expressing political views in press conferences.ReutersKey EventWed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:27amWed 8 Jul 2026 at 1:27amThree changes for Argentina, two for EgyptBy Simon SmaleHere's the team news for today's first match.Argentina(@Argentina)Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has made three changes to his side for today's clash.Lautaro Martínez is replaced up front by Barcelona target Julián Alvarez in the starting lineup.Nicolás Tagliafico comes in at left back in place of Marseilles Facundo Medina, while Thiago Almada is replaced by Leandro Paredes in midfield.Egypt(@EgyptNT_EN)The Pharoahs make a couple of changes too, Hossam Hassan bringing in striker Haissem Hassan and midfielder Mohanad Lashin for Omar Marmoush and Hamdy Fathy.Mohamed Salah starts.