Egypt secured a World Cup point against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, but questions were raised over Mohamed Salah's energy levels before he was substituted early on his birthday
00:09, 16 Jun 2026
Mohamed Salah stands on the sidelines during the World Cup
Mohamed Salah's attitude and energy levels were questioned during Egypt's 1-1 World Cup draw against Belgium
Mohamed Salah celebrated his 34th birthday at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday, but not everyone was impressed by the Liverpool legend's performance.
Egypt earned a 1-1 draw against Belgium in Group G to pick up a valuable point to keep their World Cup knockout stage hopes alive. The result pushed both teams above Iran and New Zealand until their Monday night matchup at SoFi Stadium in California.
Salah assisted on the opening goal and was involved in several attacks, but criticism of his energy and attitude followed after he was substituted in the 76th minute. The decorated winger has yet to confirm his next domestic club.
Former England defender Micah Richards was among those to notice a change in the Egyptian captain. The former Manchester City right back was Salah's teammate at Fiorentina during the 2014-2015 season and has since formed a tight bond.
"Egypt look like a real team who are organized, they know exactly what they need to do, they are working for each other," Richards said on BBC One.
"Yes Mohamed Salah is not energetic like we know of the past but the people around him, in terms of the system, everyone knows exactly what they need to do."
Mohamed Salah reacts to a call against Belgium
Salah logged an assist before his 76th minute exit
Salah still played a major role in Egypt's strongest moments after setting up the opening goal in the 19th minute. He found Emam Ashour in space for a finish past Thibaut Courtois to become the first African player since 1966 to record a World Cup goal involvement on his birthday.
He played Zico in behind the Belgian defense several times, created a clear chance after halftime, and forced a strong save from Courtois with a header in the 55th minute.
Salah finished with an assist, one shot on target, 35 touches, five duels won, and two defensive interventions. Egypt shared attacking responsibilities across the front line, with Omar Marmoush, Ashour, and Zico all creating chances.
Hamza Abdelkarim high-fives Mohamed Salah as he is substituted
Salah was criticized for the way he exited the pitch when being subbed off
Belgium struggled to handle the team's collective movement and looked stagnant going forward until Romelu Lukaku replaced Charles De Ketelaere in the 66th minute. He instantly generated Egypt's own goal during his first minute on the pitch.
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Belgium struggled with his impact until Egypt manager Hossam Hassan substituted him for Hamza Abdelkarim late in the second half.
ESPN's Craig Burley criticized the Egyptian star while noting the early pulling didn't come from former Liverpool manager Arne Slot. His co-host, Stevie Nichol, said that Salah 'has to have a better attitude' about his approach to the World Cup.