Mohamed Salah starts in Egypt’s FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter against Belgium. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Mohamed Salah was named in the starting line-up in Egypt’s FIFA World Cup 2026 group G opener against Belgium at the Seattle Stadium on Monday.

The star winger celebrates his 34th birthday today and will hope his side can get its World Cup campaign off to the perfect start against the European side.

Salah is the all-time leading scorer for his country with 65 goals in 114 appearances. He carries Egypt’s hopes again, but this time with better attacking support around him. His movement from the right, finishing on his left foot and ability to create under pressure make him the player most likely to decide Egypt’s biggest matches.

Egypt has qualified to the World Cup for the first time since 2018 when it exited at the group stage. The nation’s best result came in 1934 when it progressed to the round of 16.

Published on Jun 15, 2026