Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has issued an impassioned statement to fans, vowing to build a “fresh start” for Egyptian football, following the team’s dramatic and controversial exit from the 2026 World Cup last 16. The Pharaohs suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to reigning champions Argentina, having led 2-0 with just 15 minutes remaining.
The match, which saw Argentina score three late goals including Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time winner, was marred by contentious officiating decisions that left Egyptian players and staff incensed. Egypt had an earlier goal controversially disallowed for a foul on Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez, and felt a clear penalty should have been awarded for a foul on Salah inside Argentina’s box just moments before Fernandez netted the decisive goal.
Following the final whistle, Salah demonstrated remarkable leadership, pulling his distraught teammates away from the referee and shaking the officials’ hands despite the palpable frustration. The team, including manager Hossam Hassan who reportedly refused to watch the remainder of the match in protest, filed a formal complaint to FIFA regarding the officiating.
Salah’s promise and FIFA’s defense
Addressing the nation on X, Salah acknowledged the widespread disappointment but looked to the future. “I know you’re still upset, but I promise you that I’ll do everything in my power to ensure this marks a fresh start for Egyptian football on the international stage. Qualifying for the World Cup won’t be enough, and just participating won’t cut it either. This team deserves your trust,” he wrote.
Read also: "Every decision was spot on": Spain's de la Fuente praises controversial World Cup referee
The sentiment from the Egyptian camp was stark, with striker Mostafa Ziko reportedly calling the outcome “rigged” in a post-match interview. However, FIFA’s referees’ chief, Pierluigi Collina, swiftly defended the officials, dismissing “unfounded allegations” and stressing the integrity of the match officials.
Collina provided specific explanations for the contentious decisions. Regarding the disallowed goal, he stated that if the referee did not see a foul on the field, the VAR can intervene if one is identified. For Argentina’s winning goal, which involved contact between Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Argentina’s Julian Alvarez, Collina clarified the VAR’s stance. “The referee and the VAR deemed it normal football contact between Egypt no. 10 Mohamed Salah and Argentina no. 10 Julian Alvarez,” he explained, reiterating that a defender touching the ball first before making normal contact does not constitute a foul.
A historic but bitter exit
Despite the bitter ending, Egypt’s campaign in the 2026 World Cup marked a historic achievement for the nation. Their victory against New Zealand in the group stage was their first ever win at the World Cup, and the team managed to progress out of their group and win a knockout match at the tournament for the first time in their history. The squad returned home to a hero’s welcome, underscoring the pride in their performance despite the controversial elimination.
Salah, who will be 38 years old by the 2030 World Cup, now faces the challenge of translating his pledge into tangible progress for Egyptian football, aiming to build on the foundations laid in this tournament.
Read also: Adidas unveils TRIONDA FINAL: The ball for 2026 World Cup glory
Read also: Donald Trump speaks out after USA's World Cup exit
