Egypt beat Australia on penalties to reach round of 16

Egypt advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 North America World Cup after defeating Australia in a penalty shootout, claiming the country's first-ever victory in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.

The two sides played to a 1-1 draw through 90 minutes of regulation at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Friday (local time). Neither team could break the deadlock in extra time, and Egypt won the shootout 4-2.

It was Egypt's first victory in a World Cup knockout match.

Egypt lost their opening match at the 1934 World Cup — a 16-team tournament played entirely in knockout format — and were eliminated in the group stage at both the 1990 and 2018 editions.

Returning to the World Cup for the first time in eight years, Egypt will face the winner of the Argentina-Cape Verde match July 8 in Atlanta for a place in the quarterfinals.

Australia, whose best World Cup results were two round-of-16 appearances in 2006 and 2022, again failed to advance past the first knockout round in their seventh overall World Cup appearance.

Australia's elimination means all nations affiliated with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have now been knocked out of the tournament.

Nine AFC member nations competed in this edition of the World Cup, which expanded its field to 48 teams. Seven, including South Korea, were eliminated in the group stage. Japan and Australia reached the round of 32 but lost to Brazil and Egypt, respectively.

Egypt came out attacking with captain Mohamed Salah — one of the world's best strikers — and Omar Marmoush leading the line, and took the lead in the 13th minute.

From a free-kick situation, Karim Hafez delivered a cross from the right flank that Emam Ashour headed home.

Egypt converted their only shot on target from three attempts, while Australia managed six shots including one on target but could not score in the first half. Australia leveled 10 minutes into the second half through an own goal.

Aiden O'Neill's free kick from the left flank struck the head of Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany, who had jumped alongside Australian players, and the ball went straight in.

It was Hany's second own goal of the tournament; he had also scored one against Belgium in the group stage opener.

Neither side could take the lead in extra time. Australia made a bold move in the 14th minute of the second period of extra time, replacing goalkeeper Patrick Beitz with veteran Matthew Ryan.

But Australian misses decided the shootout.

Harry Souttar's effort sailed over the bar, and 18-year-old defender Lucas Herington's right-footed shot struck the post and went wide.

Egypt's four takers — Mahmoud Saber, Rami Rabia, Salah and Hossam Abdelmagid — all converted to seal a perfect shootout victory.