Mohamed Salah to miss Egypt's trip to South Sudan over artificial turf
Egyptian FA says the coaching staff decided to rest Salah ahead of the 29 September qualifier in Juba.
Mohamed Salah will not travel with the Egypt national team for their away qualifier against South Sudan because the match in Juba will be played on artificial turf, the Egyptian Football Association confirmed on 26 September 2026.
Egypt opened their qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola in Cairo. Salah started that game but was substituted in the second half.
Federation: decision taken before Angola match
"The national team's coaching staff, led by Hossam Hassan, decided to rest Mohamed Salah for the match against South Sudan on 29 September due to the pitch surface," the Egyptian Football Association said.
The FA added that the choice to leave Salah out was made before the Angola match and followed discussions with the player, aiming to avoid any unnecessary risk of injury.
With Salah absent, Egypt will travel to Juba without their star forward for the qualifier scheduled on 29 September, while preparations continue under coach Hossam Hassan.
Photo: FIFA World Cup X
