Egypt became the second African team, after Morocco, to reach the Round of 16 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They achieved this by beating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time in Dallas.
This win is Egypt’s first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match. It also ended a streak of four penalty shootout losses.
The Pharaohs started the game well, despite a scare when Cristian Volpato’s long-range shot hit the crossbar. Rami Rabia made a crucial tackle to stop Jordan Bos from scoring.
Egypt took the lead in the 13th minute. Emam Ashour headed in Karim Hafez’s great cross from the far post.
As the first half went on, Australia had more possession, but Egypt looked more dangerous. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir was tested only a few times while Mohamed Salah had a quiet first 45 minutes.
Australia equalized early in the second half. Defender Mohamed Hany accidentally turned a dangerous free-kick into his own net.
Both teams tried to find a winner before the end of regulation. Patrick Beach made a great one-handed save to stop Rabia’s shot. Harry Souttar then blocked Haissem Hassan’s effort, sending the match to extra time.
Salah missed Egypt’s best chance in extra time, shooting over from a good position. Neither side could score, leading to penalties.
Australia’s trouble started when Souttar missed the first penalty, shooting over the bar. Egypt kept calm during the shootout. Salah scored with a stylish Panenka. Then, 18-year-old Lucas Herrington missed Australia’s fourth kick.
Hossam Abdelmaguid stepped up to take the final penalty. He scored, giving Egypt a historic win.
Egypt will now face either defending champions Argentina or Cape Verde in the Round of 16 as they aim for their first-ever World Cup quarter-final.
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