World Cup 2026: Booed in Liverpool, Mohamed Salah receives a hero’s welcome in Cairo (video)

World Cup 2026 07 October 2025 at 04:54

Aliou Toundé

News Editor

While he faces sharp criticism in England, Mohamed Salah was greeted with a triumphant reception this Sunday at Cairo International Airport. Hundreds of fans and schoolchildren gathered to cheer on the Liverpool star, chanting his name and waving Egyptian flags.

The Pharaohs’ captain, 33, returns home to play crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Djibouti and Guinea-Bissau. These two matches could secure Egypt’s ticket to the world stage for their fourth ever appearance.

Despite finishing fourth in the Ballon d’Or voting behind Dembélé, Yamal, and Vitinha, Salah remains a source of national pride. In an official statement, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) praised him:

You are the best in every language, just one step from the dream.

After recording 34 goals and 23 assists last season with Liverpool, Salah is now poised to write another glorious chapter with Egypt, who top Group A with 20 points.