Mohamed Salah has been declared fit and included in Egypt's starting lineup for their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Australia on Friday, July 3, after recovering from a hamstring injury that had made him doubtful earlier in the week. The Liverpool forward trained with the squad in the lead-up and will lead the attack, according to Reuters.
Egypt's Attack Boosted with Salah and Marmoush
Omar Marmoush also returns to the starting XI alongside Salah, replacing Mahmoud Trezeguet in attack. Egypt's forward line gains significant firepower with both players available.
Defensive Changes for Egypt Due to Injuries
Egypt have been forced into defensive adjustments, with left-back Ahmed Fatouh and centre-back Mohamed Abdelmonem ruled out through injury. Karim Hafez and Yasser Ibrahim come into the side as replacements. Hamdy Fathy has recovered from injury to anchor the midfield, with Marawan Attia also starting.
Australia's Unchanged Lineup
Australia have named an unchanged lineup from the side that drew with Paraguay in their final group-stage match. Head coach Graham Arnold retained the same XI despite making six changes for that fixture. Experienced forward Mathew Leckie remains unavailable due to injury.
Starting Lineups
Australia: Patrick Beach, Alessandro Circati, Jordan Bos, Connor Metcalfe, Aiden O'Neill, Aziz Behich, Nestory Irankunda, Harry Souttar, Cristian Volpato, Jackson Irvine, Lucas Herrington.
Egypt: Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Rami Rabia, Karim Hafez, Hamdy Fathy, Marawan Attia, Mostafa Zico, Emam Ashour, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush.
