“I COULDN’T HOLD IT BACK…” Mo Salah’s Emotional BBC Interview Left Millions Speechless After Egypt Made World Cup History With a Dramatic Penalty Shootout Victory — But It Was the Powerful Reason Behind His Tears, Moments After His Audacious Panenka, That Touched Fans Even More.

MOHAMED SALAH broke down in tears live on the BBC after guiding Egypt to their first-ever World Cup knockout win.

The North African nation came out on top against Australia after a penalty shootout in Dallas.

A bearded man in a red shirt with tear-filled eyes, with a backdrop of FIFA World Cup sponsor logos.
Australia v Egypt: Round of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

It was a historic night for Egypt who picked up their first-ever World Cup win in the group stage.

It was the first time the country had reached the knockout stages of the tournament since 1934.

Salah, 34, played a big role in the success as he took one of the penalties in the shootout.

The Liverpool legend showcased his class with his effort as he coolly panenka’d his effort past substitute Maty Ryan.

Egypt scored all four of their spot-kicks as they benefited from wayward efforts from Harry Souttar and teenager Lucas Herrington.

Salah was visibly emotional after the victory and could be seen in tears as he spoke to the BBC.

During the interview, he was asked about the potential meeting between himself and Lionel Messi in the last-16.

Argentina play Cape Verde for a spot in the next round after the Egypt result.

He said: “That might happen, but we must first respect the Cape Verde national team.

“Argentina will play their next match shortly, and after that, we’ll see what happens.”

Salah was among the Egypt group of players watching laptop highlights of Ryan before the shootout.

He made the bold decision to chip in his effort after a late change of mind.

He said: “If somebody was going to do it, it would be me!

“I am more experienced than others and I wanted to give them confidence. I decided last minute, I had to do it.”

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 32 - Australia v Egypt
Australia v Egypt: Round of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026