Mohamed Salah almost produced another unforgettable moment at the World Cup, only to be denied by VAR as Egypt’s World Cup ended in controversy against Egypt
19:09, 07 Jul 2026Updated 21:48, 07 Jul 2026
Mohamed Salah protests during Egypt’s World Cup defeat to Argentina(Image: Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah and Egypt’s World Cup ended in controversy as the former Liverpool star saw his dream ended by a remarkable Argentina comeback.
The Pharaohs had looked set to upset the defending champions after taking a 2-0 lead midway through the second half, only for Argentina to hit back with three late goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez.
The 3-2 defeat may well prove to be Salah’s last action at a World Cup for his country, having already created history by guiding Egypt to a first win at the tournament and progression to the knockout stages, but the end of the road wasn’t without its controversy as the former Liverpool man was denied his own significant moment before his team saw red.
Having taken the lead through Yasser Ibrahim during the first-half, Egypt looked to have doubled its advantage after the break when Salah played Mostafa Ziko through with a superb through ball, with the winger providing a composed finish to send his country’s players and fans wild.
VAR intervened to rule the effort out though, with Marwan Attia ajudged to have pulled back Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez in the build-up, denying Salah what could have been his own historic moment with the assist.
Egypt wouldn’t have to wait too long for a second goal though, with Ziko not to be denied as he finished a sweeping counter-attack, with Salah again involved in the build-up.
Mohamed Salah argues with referee Francois Letexier during Egypt’s defeat to Argentina(Image: Getty Images)
Despite carrying what looked to be a commanding lead into the final 11 minutes of the game, Egypt’s dreams crumbled as Romero pulled a goal back before Messi leveled the game with just seven minutes remaining. Fernandez provided the heartbreaking moment as he headed home the winner in added time, leading to furious scenes on the Egyptian bench.
One of the team’s coaches was sent off as they remonstrated with referee Francois Letexier, arguing that the goal should have been disallowed after Salah was caught by Julian Alvarez in the opposite penalty area.
The goal stood though, and Eygpt continued to protest, with Salah having to step in at one point as manager Hossam Hassan received a yellow card as he fronted up to the officials.
Egypt’s bench was left furious with Argentina’s late winner, with one coach sent off for his protests(Image: Getty Images)
In the end, Salah’s dream was ended in cruel fashion, with Messi and Argentina going on to face one of Switzerland or Colombia in the quarter-finals.
The world champions’ progression means Liverpool will be left waiting a little longer for Alexis Mac Allister’s return for pre-season, with the first group of players in training on Tuesday.
As for Salah, his future can now be decided following his exit from Liverpool, with new reports suggesting a return to Italy could be on the cards.