Egypt defeated Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 Round of 32 draw at the Dallas Stadium on Friday to win their first-ever World Cup knockout game. They became the second African team to make it to the last sixteen of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following Morocco.
Emam Ashour scored a header in the 13th minute following a smart play to give Egypt the lead. Ashour’s first effort from a free-kick was blocked, but Hafez crossed the ball back in to let Ashour score his second goal in the competition.
Egypt dropped ten men briefly as Hany was under care. Bos had two tries to get in touch with a free kick before Irvine called a foul against him during this time.
Conceding an early goal, the Socceroos began to get into the game and produced six chances to three for Egypt. Set pieces provided their biggest dangers. To provide more chances, Coach Popovic instructed wingers Bos and Behich to switch sides.
The Socceroos scored from a set piece in the 55th minute. Hany accidentally diverted O’Neill’s inswinging free-kick into his own net, therefore enabling Circati to reach the end of the cross.
The second half came to an end when neither team capitalized on their opportunities, so causing extra time.
Both teams battled hard but could not score in the additional 30 minutes. Penalties decided the game. While Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdelmaguid scored for Egypt, Harry Souttar (Australia) and Lucas Herrington failed to score.
The winner of the match between Argentina and Cape Verde will be Egypt’s opponent in the following round.
