The Egyptian national team finally achieved what previous generations had failed to do. The “Pharaohs” not only advanced to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup but also overcame the opening round on their first attempt by defeating Australia in a penalty shootout.
The match in Dallas started with both teams pushing forward, and by the fifth minute, Australian Christian Volpato struck the crossbar from distance. Egypt responded swiftly and far more effectively. In the 13th minute, following a free-kick routine and a second-phase attack, Emam Ashour headed the ball into the net unchallenged to make it 1-0.
It must be admitted that the first half was rather uninspiring, with neither side managing to create anything particularly memorable before the break.
However, early in the second half, Omar Marmoush missed a golden opportunity to settle the game. The Manchester City forward broke through one-on-one with the goalkeeper but shot wide of the post. Mirroring the first half, Australia quickly equalized. In the 55th minute, Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany, who had just been knocked out briefly after a collision, inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net, leveling the score at 1-1.
Afterwards, the game settled again. Only near the end of regular time did Egypt launch a fierce assault on Australia’s goal. Salah delivered a perfect diagonal pass to Rabia, but the Australian goalkeeper managed to tip the ball away from under the crossbar. Moments later, Ashour almost scored again, but Suttar blocked his shot.
Throughout the tournament, the tall central defender for Australia had drawn significant attention. Yet in the penalty shootout, it was Suttar who sealed his team’s fate by sending his penalty over the crossbar. The Egyptians converted their penalties with precision, and at times, like Salah, appeared to toy with the goalkeeper. The youngest player in Australia’s World Cup starting lineup, Lucas Harrington, faltered under pressure, hitting the post with his penalty, effectively ending Australia’s chances.
In the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, Egypt will face the winner of the Argentina vs. Cabo Verde match.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Australia 1–1 Egypt (0–1 at halftime), Egypt won 4–2 on penalties
Goals: Ashour 13 (0–1); Hany 55 (own goal) (1–1)
Australia lineup: Beach (Ryan M., 119); Chirkati; Suttar G.; Harrington; Bos (Truin, 46); Behich; Metcalfe (Mabil, 91); O’Neill (Okon-Engstler, 91); Volpato K. (Hrustic, 74); Irvine J.; Irankunda (Toure M., 74)
Substitutions: Truin (46); Toure M. (74); Hrustic (74); Okon-Engstler (91); Mabil (91); Ryan M. (119)
Reserves: Itzo; Jeriah; Burgess; Degenek; Devlin; Velupillay; Engi
