Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has pledged to help turn the national team’s 2026 World Cup campaign into “a new beginning” for Egyptian football after the Pharaohs were eliminated by Argentina in the last 16.
Egypt’s tournament ended with a 3-2 defeat by Argentina on Tuesday evening, but the side returned home having achieved several historic milestones.
The Pharaohs reached the World Cup round of 16 for the first time, secured their first victory in the competition under head coach Hossam Hassan and progressed from Group G on goal difference behind Belgium.
They then defeated Australia on penalties in the round of 32 before facing Argentina in the knockout stage.
Salah addressed supporters in a message posted on his X account after the Egypt squad arrived at El Alamein International Airport on Friday morning following a flight of more than 12 hours from the United States.
“I know you are still feeling sad, but I promise you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that this participation is a new beginning for Egyptian football on the international stage.”
The 34-year-old added: “Qualifying for the World Cup will not be enough, and participation is not enough either. This team deserves your trust.”
Historic progress despite Argentina defeat
Egypt’s defeat to Argentina ended a campaign that had already delivered the country’s most significant World Cup progress.
The team finished second in Group G, behind Belgium only on goal difference, to advance into the knockout rounds.
Their victory over Australia on penalties in the round of 32 marked a major moment in the tournament, allowing Egypt to reach the last 16 for the first time.
The match against Argentina then offered another indication of Egypt’s ability to compete against leading teams.
Although the Pharaohs were ultimately eliminated, their journey attracted strong support from Egyptian fans and wider attention across the tournament.
The squad’s arrival at El Alamein International Airport was expected to mark the end of a demanding campaign that took them from the group stage into unfamiliar territory in the World Cup knockout rounds.
For Salah, however, the end of the tournament appears to be a point from which the national side should build rather than simply a disappointment to absorb.
Salah adds to World Cup record
Salah also left the tournament with a personal landmark.
He scored against New Zealand during the 2026 World Cup, taking his total World Cup goals for Egypt to three.
The goal made him Egypt’s all-time leading scorer at the World Cup.
He had previously scored twice during the 2018 edition, and his goal against New Zealand moved him ahead in the country’s tournament scoring record.
His contribution on the pitch, combined with his post-tournament message, underlined his role as Egypt’s captain during a campaign that brought both progress and frustration.
Egypt’s World Cup run ended at the last-16 stage, but Salah’s words suggest the team are determined to use the experience as a foundation for future international success.
The captain’s promise will now be measured against Egypt’s ability to sustain the momentum created by their historic tournament performance and translate it into further achievements on the international stage.
