Egypt's World Cup campaigns always begin and end with the question: is Mohamed Salah fit and firing? At 33, this is almost certainly Salah's last World Cup — and he knows it. He has carried Egypt's qualifying campaigns almost single-handedly for a decade and this tournament represents his final chance at World Cup glory.
Vitória has built a disciplined defensive structure around Salah's brilliance, looking to keep it tight and let the Liverpool forward create magic in the final third.
Key Player: Mohamed Salah
One of the greatest players of his generation. Salah's record for Liverpool is historic and his international record — 62 goals in 96 caps — is remarkable for a midfielder-forward who relies on a team to create chances. Defenders who allow him space on his left foot will be punished. The burden on him is enormous but so is his ability.
Tactical Setup
Vitória's 4-2-3-1 is built to protect and release Salah. The double pivot shields the back four, a compact ten sits behind Salah, and the left side is heavily weighted to funnel attacks through the Liverpool forward's strengths.
Tournament History
Three appearances. Egypt's 1990 showing — led by a young Hossam Hassan — gave African football one of its greatest performances. This squad, built around Salah, desperately wants to write a new chapter.