Hassan rejects Salah unrest talk before Egypt face New Zealand
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said Mohamed Salah remains disciplined and central to the squad as Egypt chase a first World Cup win against New Zealand.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has pushed back against suggestions of tension with Mohamed Salah before Egypt’s World Cup Group G match against New Zealand in Vancouver. The denial comes with both teams seeking a first victory at the tournament and a stronger position in the race for the knockout stage.
Hassan told reporters on Sunday that Salah remained a key figure in his 26-man squad, while stressing that he does not treat players differently based on status. “Salah is an important player for our squad, and the 26 players who are here with me are very important,” Hassan said, according to Reuters.
The Egypt coach added that players who have worked under him understand his approach. “Every player who has worked with me knows I deal with them in a professional manner. I do not have favourites,” he said.
Salah, 34, was substituted in the 76th minute of Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Belgium in Seattle, Reuters reported. Teenager Hamza Abdelkarim replaced him, a decision that led to speculation over the Liverpool forward’s standing under Hassan.
Hassan said there was no problem with Salah accepting selection decisions. He described the forward as disciplined and supportive of teammates, and said Salah would respect the coach’s call whether he starts or comes off during a match.
“If he starts … or if he gets substituted, it’s fine,” Hassan said, according to Reuters. “It is his role as a player. Everyone knows that I am working for the benefit of the team and the national side.”
Salah had been one of Egypt’s main forces in reaching the tournament, scoring nine goals during qualifying, Reuters reported. He also set up Emam Ashour’s goal in the draw with Belgium, Egypt’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
New Zealand also began Group G with a draw, finishing 2-2 against Iran in Los Angeles, according to Reuters. That result, combined with Egypt’s point against Belgium, has left the group tightly placed before the Egypt-New Zealand match at BC Place.
Both Egypt and New Zealand are still seeking their first World Cup win, Reuters reported. Egypt are playing in the finals for the fourth time.
Hassan said Egypt’s aim is to turn the opening draw into momentum and deliver a performance that reflects the team’s talent. He framed the match as important not only for Egypt but also for African football.
“We drew in the first match, and we want to win and secure these points,” Hassan said. “This is the ambition of the Egyptian people, for Egyptian football and for African football as well.”
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.