2026 World Cup: Egypt advances to the round of 16
After a tightly contested match, the Pharaohs of Egypt knocked out Australia on penalties (1-1, 4-2 on pens) in the round of 32 at this 2026 World Cup.
The Socceroos actually started the game stronger. However, it was the Pharaohs who broke the deadlock. After Ashour's first attempt was blocked, Hafez whipped in a cross from the right for the same Ashour, unmarked at the far post, who headed home (0-1, 13th minute).
After the break, Egypt had a golden chance to seal the game, but Marmoush missed the target one-on-one with Beach. Following several dangerous balls in the Egyptian box, the Socceroos were finally rewarded from an O’Neill free kick, which was inadvertently flicked into his own net by Hany (1-1, 55th minute). That goal sent both teams all the way to a penalty shootout.
Souttar sent the first Australian effort over the bar, then Herrington hit the crossbar with the Socceroos’ fourth attempt. At the other end, Saber, Rabia, Salah, and Abdelmaguid all kept their cool to deliver a historic qualification for Egypt.