2026 FIFA World Cup | Round of 32 | Friday July 3
- Egypt (4) 1-1 (2) Australia
Egypt are through to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time after beating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a hard earned 1-1 draw at Dallas Stadium.
The victory makes Egypt only the second African nation to reach the last 16 of the 2026 tournament after Morocco, and marks the Pharaohs’ first ever win in a World Cup knockout match.
Egypt made the brighter start and were rewarded in the 13th minute. Karim Hafez whipped in a cross that Emam Ashour met with a well-timed header to put the Africans ahead.
Australia responded after the break. Mohamed Hany accidentally turned the ball into his own net in the 55th minute, bringing the Socceroos level and setting up a tense finish.
Both sides had chances to settle the contest, with Australia’s Patrick Beach producing a crucial stoppage time save to deny Ramy Rabia. Neither team could find a winner in extra time, sending the tie to penalties.
Australia introduced experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan for the shootout, but the move failed to change the outcome.
Mahmoud Saber, Ramy Rabia, Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdelmaguid all converted for Egypt. Salah’s calm Panenka was the standout moment, while misses from Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington proved costly for Australia as Egypt sealed a 4-2 shootout victory.
The win keeps Egypt’s World Cup dream alive and continues Africa’s unimpressive run in the Round of 32 with an exception of Morocco.
The Pharaohs now head to Atlanta Stadium on July 7, where they will face either Argentina or Cape Verde for a place in the quarter-finals.
