Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has been forced to address 'rumors' about his relationship with Mohamed Salah after taking the Liverpool legend off during its World Cup opener
08:16, 21 Jun 2026
Mohamed Salah during an Egypt game at the World Cup.
Mohamed Salah during an Egypt game at the World Cup.(Image: Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has denied that he and Mohamed Salah have fallen out at the World Cup after he took the Liverpool legend off earlier than anticipated in the opening game of the tournament.
Tying 1-1 with Belgium, Egypt picked up what could be an important point. It plays New Zealand next and then finishes with Iran, with Salah hoping to fire his nation into the knockout phase. The Pharaohs have never won a game at the World Cup before.
Against Belgium, Salah was surprisingly taken off in the 76th minute to be replaced by Barcelona teenager Hamza Abdelkarim. It was a bold decision that was questioned by Egypt fans and pundits after the game.
Rumors had even been swirling that the departing Liverpool man was unhappy, but the coach told reporters over the weekend that all is well between him and his captain.
"Salah is an important part of this team," Hassan insisted, via The National News.
"All 26 players with us here are very important, starting with the team captain, of course, Mohamed Salah, all the way to the youngest players with us like Hamza Abdelkarim or Tarek Alaa.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 15: Mohamed Salah #10 of Egypt speaks with referee Ramon Abatti during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match between Belgium and Egypt at Seattle Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah captained Egypt in its World Cup opener against Belgium(Image: Getty Images)
"Every player I have worked with knows that I deal with them in a fair manner. I trust all 26 players I chose, and they trust me as well.
"Salah is someone who helps us a lot on this team because he serves as a role model and example of being disciplined, whether he starts a game or gets subbed on or off, everything is possible and known.
"Besides that, all the players and the Egyptian fans know that I work for the good of the country.
"All players are equal in my eyes, and the one who deserves to be on the pitch is the one who performs better on the pitch.
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"Salah played a great game against Belgium, in a position that is relatively new to him because he wasn’t utilized that way in Europe with his club.
"I’m happy I utilized him in a different way. None of the stuff being said happened but it’s normal that rumors spread. It happens to every team. Salah has been training well and he is the first to accept any decision made by the technical staff."
Liverpool.com says: Salah played well and Egypt got a decent point in their opening game. The next two fixtures should be more winnable, and Salah will want to be the man to drag his country to a first victory.