Egypt Beat Australia On Penalties To Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16, Create History

Egypt created history by winning a FIFA World Cup knockout match for the first time , defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash in Dallas on Friday to secure a place in the Round of 16.

The Pharaohs, appearing in only their fourth World Cup, had never previously won a knockout-stage match. Their landmark victory sets up a last-16 encounter against either Argentina or Cape Verde .

Australia made an energetic start and nearly took the lead within the opening five minutes when Cristian Volpato's long-range effort struck the top of the crossbar. Jordan Bos also threatened the Egyptian defence, but Rami Rabia produced a crucial intervention to prevent an early breakthrough.

Despite Australia's positive opening, Egypt struck first in the 13th minute. Karim Hafez delivered a precise cross from the left flank and Emam Ashour guided a header past goalkeeper Patrick Beach to give his side the advantage. Egypt then enjoyed greater control for much of the first half, limiting Australia's attacking opportunities while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir remained largely untroubled.

Australia drew level shortly after the restart when defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned an Australian free-kick into his own net . The goal proved significant for another reason, as Hany became the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score two own goals in the same tournament , having also recorded an own goal during Egypt's group-stage draw against Belgium. Earlier in the second half, Hany had received treatment following a collision and remained on the field after medical attention.

Both teams pushed for a winner in regulation time. Patrick Beach produced an excellent one-handed save to deny Rabia's header, while Harry Souttar made a crucial block to keep Egypt from restoring their lead. Extra time also failed to separate the sides, with Mohamed Salah missing Egypt's best chance.

Australia introduced experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan before the penalty shootout, but the move did not change the outcome. Souttar missed Australia's opening penalty, Salah confidently converted his effort, and teenager Lucas Herrington failed to score with Australia's fourth attempt. Hossam Abdelmaguid then calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal a historic victory for Egypt and send the African side into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.

The defeat leaves Australia still searching for its first World Cup knockout-stage victory.