Egypt Reach Round of 16 After Beating Australia 4-2 on Penalties
Egypt have become the second African nation to advance to the Round of 16 at the World Cup after Morocco.
The Pharaohs eliminated Australia 4-2 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 following extra time.
Egypt struck first in the 13th minute as Emam Ashour headed home a cross from Karim Hafez.
The Pharaohs went into halftime with a 1-0 lead, but 10 minutes after the restart, Al Ahly SC defender Mohamed Hany scored to in his own net as Australia leveled matters.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has now seen more own goals than any previous edition (13), with Egypt’s Mohamed Hany the second player in history to score two own goals at the FIFA World Cup, alongside Bulgaria’s Ivan Vutsov.
Australia opted to switch goalkeepers deep into extra time. Patrick Beach, who made a remarkable save in stoppage time to keep the scores level, was withdrawn for captain Mathew Ryan.
Ryan saved one penalty from Egypt.
For Australia, Herrington and Souttar missed their spot-kicks, while Irvine and Mabil converted.
For Egypt, Mohamed Salah, Saber, Rabia and Abdelmaguid all scored to seal a 4-2 shootout win.
FT: Egypt 1-1 Australia (4-2 on penalties)
Seven of the starting XI for Egypt ply their trade in the Egyptian Premier League — a testament to the strength of the domestic league.
Mohamed Salah said after the match: “It feels brilliant to have achieved this. So does the prospect of playing against Messi in the next match.”
Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan dedicated the historic win to the Palestinian people.
“My heart and soul are with them,” Hassan said, praying that “God have mercy on their martyrs.” He added, “I dedicate this victory to the Egyptian people and to the good and generous Palestinian people.”
Journalist Nahej Hajjaj filmed Palestinians celebrating the victory.
Egypt will next face the winner of Argentina vs Cape Verde. Argentina currently lead 1-0 through a Lionel Messi goal after 30 minutes.