Mohamed Salah opens up to the media in Vancouver after Egypt's first World Cup win
Mohamed Salah rarely speaks, but after the 3-1 win against New Zealand — Egypt's first win at the World Cup — he shared his joy and called for history to continue.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Amidst the cheers and laughter of the Egyptian media in the mixed zone of BC Place, a rare sight greeted us: Mohamed Salah, barefoot on the small stage, holding the trophy as the best player of the match, and ready to answer a few questions. The news just arrived: the “Egyptian King” spoke after Egypt's 3-1 victory over New Zealand — their first win in World Cup history.
"We just did everything and achieved something that is very difficult to happen in history," said Salah, stressing that the team must remain hopeful of winning again in the next match to top the group. "We enjoyed football and gave everything for our countrymen."
It's rare for Salah to stop in the mixed zone — especially in England, where he usually just goes straight through. Especially during his difficult last season at Liverpool where his minutes were reduced and the question of his future floated. But tonight in western Canada, that's not the topic. The substance of the conversation: fun, comfort, and a national moment.
"We will do everything in the tournament to make the people of Egypt happy. I think now, they are happy and proud," said Salah. "All I can promise is sweat, running, and we will give it all with all our hearts."
According to The Athletic's World Cup tracker, the Pharaohs are at the top of Group G and have a 61 percent chance of winning the group after the win against New Zealand. For Salah, this is more than a personal rebound after the club season. "I have been in the national team for fourteen years. I always give my best and share my experience with the younger ones so that we can achieve bigger things," he said. "I said to the huddle: 'Comrades, we can write history today and also the next if we finish first in the group.' This is a day we will remember for many years."
Above BC Place, it feels like a home game. The Egyptians made a loud noise, some even shed tears of joy. Downstairs, several reporters scurry about, dropping the bag to catch every word of a national hero who rarely speaks, especially in such an open manner. Salah took just five questions before walking away — calm, smiling, and clearly enjoying the moment.
Egypt has been chasing such a victory for a long time. At the 2018 World Cup, Salah scored two goals despite nursing a shoulder injury, but that campaign ended in disappointment. On the continent, they reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations twice but lost in a penalty shootout. "We weren't lucky then," admitted Salah. "Today we were lucky — the game was better, against a strong team in a tough group. We are on top now. We should just celebrate… and focus on the last match."
Tonight in Vancouver, it's not about transfer rumors or the next step in club football. It's about a star who tore down a wall, shared the joy, and scored Egypt's long-awaited win on the game's biggest stage.
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