In the footsteps of Milla: Salah climbs the African World Cup record books

21.06.26 FT World Cup

New Zealand

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Egypt

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Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah delivered a stunning performance in Vancouver this Monday 22 Jun pushing his nation closer to a historic tournament run.

Salah's masterclass in the 3-1 victory over New Zealand included a crucial second-half goal and an inch-perfect assist.

This dynamic output brings his total World Cup goal contributions to five, consisting of three goal and two assist. With these numbers, the veteran forward is now tied for fourth on the all-time list of African players with the most World Cup goal contributions sitting alongside Tunisian playmaker Wahbi Khazri.

Chasing the ultimate legends

The Liverpool star is now just one contribution away from matching the iconic Cameroonian striker Roger Milla who currently sits in second place with six total contributions.

The ultimate target, however, is Ghanaian legend Asamoah Gyan. Gyan holds the absolute continental record with nine goal contributions boasting six goal and three assists across his tournament appearances.

Salah needs four more attacking returns to equal Gyan's historic milestone and cement himself at the very top.

Securing the national crown

Beyond chasing African greatness, Monday's strike already secured Salah's domestic legacy.

With 3 World Cup goals to his name, having scored twice against Russia and Saudi Arabia in 2018 and once now in 2026, he officially stands as Egypt's all-time leading scorer in the competition's history.

His clinical edge continues to be the driving force behind the team's offensive success on the global stage.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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