Egypt Edge Australia on Penalties to Reach World Cup Last 16

Egypt secured a historic place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in their Round of 32 clash in Dallas on Friday.

The Pharaohs took the lead in the 13th minute through Emam Ashour, whose header put Egypt in control early in the contest. 

Australia responded shortly after the break when a Mohamed Hany own goal restored parity, sending the match into extra time after neither side could find a winner in regulation.

With the deadlock still unbroken after 120 minutes, the tie was decided by a penalty shootout. 

Egypt converted all four of their spot-kicks, including one from captain Mohamed Salah, while Australia’s Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington failed to score. 

Hossam Abdelmaguid calmly slotted home the decisive penalty to seal a 4-2 shootout victory for the African side.

The result sends Egypt into the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history. 

They will face the winner of the Round of 32 encounter between Argentina and Cape Verde in their next match.