Egypt became the second African nation, after Morocco, to book a place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Dallas.
Friday’s victory marked Egypt’s first-ever win in a World Cup knockout match and ended a run of four consecutive penalty shootout defeats.
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The Pharaohs made the brighter start despite surviving an early scare when Cristian Volpato’s long-range strike rattled the crossbar before Rami Rabia produced a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Jordan Bos.
Egypt struck first in the 13th minute through Emam Ashour, who stooped low to head home Karim Hafez’s inviting cross at the far post.
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Although Australia enjoyed more possession as the first half progressed, Egypt remained the more threatening side. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was only occasionally tested, while Mohamed Salah had a relatively quiet opening 45 minutes.
Australia restored parity early in the second half when defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned a dangerous free-kick delivery into his own net.
Both teams searched for a winner in regulation time, with Patrick Beach producing a fine one-handed save to deny Rabia before Harry Souttar blocked Haissem Hassan’s goal-bound effort to force extra time.
Salah missed Egypt’s best opportunity in the additional period, firing over from a promising position, while neither side could find the breakthrough before the match was decided from the penalty spot.
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Australia’s hopes suffered an immediate setback when Souttar blazed the opening penalty over the crossbar. Egypt maintained their composure throughout the shootout, with Salah confidently converting a Panenka before 18-year-old Lucas Herrington missed Australia’s fourth kick.
That left Hossam Abdelmaguid to convert the decisive penalty and seal a historic victory for the seven-time African champions.
Egypt will now face either defending champions Argentina or Cape Verde in the Round of 16 as they continue their bid for a first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance.
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