Mohamed Salah did not just score a goal in Los Angeles on Sunday. He wrote the opening chapter of a new story for Egyptian football, one that now sees the Pharaohs top Group G and within touching distance of a first-ever knockout-stage berth at the World Cup. The former Liverpool forward, playing his final global tournament, struck twice as Egypt came from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1, a result that catapulted them above Belgium on goal difference after the Red Devils’ goalless draw with Iran. With Senegal and Algeria still to come, Egypt stand on the brink of history—something no African nation has previously achieved at a World Cup.
Salah’s legacy and the road ahead for Egypt
Salah’s performance was decisive. He opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a composed finish after New Zealand’s Finn Surman had put the All Whites ahead inside the opening five minutes. He then turned provider for Amr El-Sulaya’s 58th-minute equaliser before setting Trezeguet up for the winner in the 75th minute. The Liverpool icon, who will leave the competition with Egypt, capped a tournament that has already delivered his country’s first-ever World Cup victory. That milestone alone reshapes Egypt’s footballing narrative, but the knockout-stage target now feels within reach. Their next match against Senegal on Friday will be pivotal; a draw or win would secure their place in the last 32 regardless of Algeria’s result against Jordan. Should they falter, a draw between Belgium and New Zealand could still hand Egypt a lifeline.
Egypt’s progress is the latest twist in a Group G that has already defied expectations. Cape Verde, the tournament’s genuine underdogs, stunned Uruguay 2-2 after trailing twice, while New Zealand’s defensive lapses cost them dearly against the Pharaohs. Salah’s influence has been the constant thread, but the squad’s collective resilience has been just as important. Their campaign now hinges on maintaining that composure under pressure—a test that awaits in the coming days.
Iran’s dignified exit and the visa row that shadowed their stay
While Egypt celebrated, Iran left Los Angeles with a message of their own. After a 0-0 draw with Belgium kept their faint knockout hopes alive, the team left a handwritten note in their SoFi Stadium locker room thanking the city for its hospitality. The gesture was a quiet rebuttal to the visa restrictions that forced Iran to base themselves in Tijuana and commute to U.S. matches, a logistical and emotional burden that contrasted sharply with the warmth of Los Angeles. “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” the note read. “We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity.”
The diplomatic friction surrounding Iran’s participation has been one of the tournament’s unspoken subplots. U.S. officials have continued to assess the squad’s travel arrangements, even as discussions over easing restrictions have persisted. Iran’s dignified response, however, has reframed the narrative. Their 0-0 draw with Belgium, marred by a controversial red card shown to Mehdi Taremi in the 72nd minute, may not have delivered the result they wanted, but the manner in which they carried themselves has left a lasting impression.
Liverpool’s Salah era ends with a World Cup flourish
Salah’s World Cup swansong has also reignited conversations about his future at Liverpool, where Andoni Iraola now begins his tenure with a squad in flux. The new manager’s arrival could offer a lifeline to players like Kostas Tsimikas, whose role at left-back has been in question since Andy Robertson’s departure. Iraola’s message to the squad—”For me, you are all new signings”—signals a fresh start, one that may yet restore Tsimikas to Liverpool’s plans. The Greek international’s experience and reliability could prove invaluable as Iraola reshapes the Reds’ defensive structure, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s left-back options heading into the new season.
Liverpool’s transfer outlook remains fluid, with reports suggesting the club may prioritise other positions in the window. Yet Salah’s World Cup heroics have underscored the value of proven performers, even as the club transitions to a new era. His performances for Egypt have been a reminder of the impact he brought to Anfield, and his departure from the World Cup stage leaves a void that few can fill. The timing of his final tournament—coinciding with the end of his Liverpool contract—has only intensified speculation about his next move, though the club’s immediate focus remains on building under Iraola.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, the World Cup’s next act will unfold in Canada and Mexico. Argentina face Austria, France meet Iraq, and Norway take on Senegal in a clash that could shape Group F. But for now, the focus remains on Egypt’s march toward history and Iran’s dignified farewell. Salah’s final World Cup chapter may be closing, but the tournament’s drama is far from over.
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