Egypt boss rejects rift claims after substituting Mohamed Salah

Hossam Hassan moved quickly to dismiss rumours of a rift with captain Mohamed Salah after substituting the forward in the 76th minute of Egypt's opening 2026 World Cup fixture against Belgium. Salah had provided an assist for Emam Ashour before being replaced by Barcelona teenager Hamza Abdelkarim with the match tied at 1-1.

Hassan insisted all 26 players are treated equally and professionally, praising his captain's character and discipline. "Salah is an important player for our squad, and the 26 players who are here with me are very important. Every player who has worked with me knows I deal with them in a professional manner.

I do not have favourites. Salah is a great player who helps his teammates. He has a lot of discipline and is a role model. If he starts or if he gets substituted, it's fine. It is his role as a player. Everyone knows that I am working for the benefit of the team and the national side." He also pushed back on external speculation and said the squad remains united.

Egypt

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