FIFA World Cup 2026: Egypt Knock Out Australia In Penalty Drama To Seal Round Of 16 Berth

Mohamed Salah and Egypt continued their dream run in the FIFA World Cup 2026, having sealed their progress into the Round of 16. Facing Australia, the African nation sealed a win in the penalty shootout, with all four of their takers converting. Salah played the entire 120 minutes despite injury, and they will face the winners of the Argentina vs Cape Verde clash.

Australia nearly took the lead early when Cristian Volpato rattled the crossbar from long range, but it was Egypt who struck first in the 13th minute. Emam Ashour reacted quickest after his initial effort was blocked, heading home Karim Hafez's cross to score his second goal of the tournament.

The Socceroos struggled to create clear chances before the break and suffered another setback when full-back Jordan Bos was forced off with a knee injury. Egypt almost doubled their lead after halftime through Omar Marmoush, but the forward dragged his effort wide after breaking clear.

Australia made the most of that escape as Aiden O'Neill's dangerous free-kick forced Mohamed Hany into diverting the ball into his own net. It was the defender's second own goal of the tournament, bringing the Socceroos level and setting up a tense finish.

Egypt came agonisingly close to sealing victory in normal time, only for Patrick Beach to produce a stunning one-handed save to deny Rami Rabia's powerful header from a Mohamed Salah cross. Salah later created another chance for Haissem Hassan, whose effort was brilliantly blocked by Harry Souttar.

Beach, one of Australia's standout performers throughout the tournament, once again kept his side alive with crucial interventions. However, in a rare tactical move, coach Tony Popovic substituted him for veteran Mat Ryan moments before the penalty shootout, hoping the experienced goalkeeper would make the difference.

The gamble did not pay off. Mohamed Salah confidently converted a Panenka, while Egypt scored all four of their penalties. Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed for Australia, with Hossam Abdelmaguid converting the decisive spot-kick to send the Pharaohs into the Round of 16, where they will face the winners of Argentina versus Cabo Verde.