FIFA World Cup 2026: Egypt Edge Australia on Penalties to Reach Historic Round of 16

Score: Egypt 1 (4) – 1 (2) Australia (Egypt won 4-2 on penalties)

Dallas, July 2026 : Egypt scripted another memorable chapter in their football history by securing their first-ever knockout-stage victory at the FIFA World Cup, defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash on Friday.

The Pharaohs, who had already celebrated their maiden World Cup victory by defeating New Zealand earlier in the tournament, continued their dream campaign with another landmark achievement. Hossam Hassan’s unbeaten side held their nerve in the shootout after Australia’s Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington failed to convert their penalties, allowing Hossam Abdelmaguid to seal the historic triumph.

The victory sends Egypt into the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of the Argentina-Cabo Verde encounter in Atlanta on July 8.

Australia, meanwhile, endured another heartbreaking exit from the tournament. It marked the Socceroos’ third appearance in the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup, but they have now lost all three elimination matches, having previously been beaten 2-1 by Italy in 2006 and Argentina by the same scoreline in 2022.

The contest began at a lively pace, with Australia nearly taking the lead inside the opening five minutes. Cristian Volpato unleashed a powerful strike that crashed against the crossbar, narrowly missing what would have been a dream start for the Socceroos.

Egypt weathered the early pressure before finding their rhythm. The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Emam Ashour headed home Karim Hafez’s inviting cross after an initial free-kick had been blocked. The goal was Ashour’s second of the tournament and rewarded Egypt’s growing confidence.

Australia responded positively and created several chances before halftime, but Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir produced a series of impressive saves to preserve his side’s slender advantage.

The African side had an excellent opportunity to double their lead immediately after the restart. Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush found himself in a promising position but guided his effort just wide of the post.

That miss proved costly as Australia drew level in the 55th minute through an unfortunate own goal. Defender Mohamed Hany accidentally headed Aiden O’Neill’s free-kick into his own net while attempting to clear the danger. It was Hany’s second own goal of the tournament and the 13th own goal recorded at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting a new record for the most own goals in a single edition of the competition.

Both teams searched for a winner during the remainder of regulation time and extra time. Egypt came closest when Ramy Rabia’s powerful effort was brilliantly tipped away by Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach with a spectacular one-handed save, forcing the contest into penalties.

In the shootout, Egypt displayed remarkable composure. Mohamed Salah confidently chipped home a Panenka penalty before his teammates converted all four of their spot-kicks. Australia, however, faltered under pressure as Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington both missed, handing Egypt a famous 4-2 shootout victory.

The historic win keeps Egypt’s impressive World Cup journey alive and reinforces their growing reputation as one of the tournament’s surprise packages as they prepare for a high-profile Round of 16 showdown.

Team Maverick