With just 37 days until the 2026 World Cup kicks off, all eyes are on Egypt's Pharaohs and their talismanic captain, Mohamed Salah. Can the Liverpool superstar finally lead his nation to its first-ever World Cup victory? It's a question that has haunted Egyptian football for nearly a century.

Egypt made history in 1934 as the first Arab and African team to qualify for the World Cup. But despite three tournament appearances since then, the Pharaohs have yet to taste victory on the world's biggest stage. Their debut in Italy was cut short by a straight knockout format, with Hungary sending them home after just one match. Fast forward to 1990, and Egypt managed a draw against the Netherlands but couldn't secure a win against Ireland or England, finishing bottom of Group F. The 2018 tournament in Russia brought more heartbreak, with three straight losses in Group A.

Now, 56 years after their second appearance and 28 years after their third, Egypt is back—and this time, the stakes feel different. Drawn into a group with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, the Pharaohs have a real shot at breaking their winless streak. But the pressure is immense, especially for Mohamed Salah.

Salah, who turns 34 on the very day Egypt opens its campaign against Belgium, is second on the country's all-time scoring list with 67 goals in 115 appearances. He also shares the honor of being Egypt's top World Cup scorer, with two goals—tying the legendary Abdelrahman Fawzy, who scored in 1934. For Salah, this tournament is likely his last dance on the global stage, and Egypt will rely heavily on his goal-scoring brilliance to finally secure that elusive first win.

As the countdown continues, fans are holding their breath. Will this be the year the Pharaohs roar? Or will history repeat itself? One thing is certain: the world will be watching.