Egypt booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash at Dallas Stadium.
As expected, the contest was evenly matched from the opening whistle, with little separating the two sides. However, Egypt gained the early advantage from a set piece. After a recycled delivery, Karim Hafez floated a cross into the box, where Emam Ashour rose highest to head home in the 13th minute, giving the Pharaohs a 1-0 lead.
Australia responded positively after conceding and enjoyed more possession in search of an equalizer, but Egypt held firm to take their one-goal advantage into halftime.
The Socceroos found their breakthrough shortly after the restart. In the 55th minute, Aiden O'Neill's cross was inadvertently headed into his own net by Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany, restoring parity at 1-1.
Following the equalizer, both teams adopted a more cautious approach, limiting clear-cut chances. Egypt pushed harder in the closing stages of normal time, nearly finding a winner when Mohamed Salah delivered a pinpoint cross for Ramy Rabia, whose header was brilliantly tipped over by Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
Extra time followed a similar pattern, with both sides prioritizing defensive solidity. Salah squandered the best opportunity of the additional 30 minutes, firing wide from a promising position. Anticipating a penalty shootout, Australia introduced experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in place of Beach shortly before the end of extra time.
The tactical switch ultimately proved unsuccessful, as Egypt held their nerve in the shootout, converting four of their spot-kicks to secure a 4-2 victory and seal their place in the Round of 16.
Egypt will face the winner of the Argentina vs. Cape Verde tie in the Round of 16 on 7th July.
