Penalty Thriller! Egypt Forces Australia to Their Knees

Egypt is in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup!

The Africans prevailed 4-2 against Australia in the penalty shootout. After extra time, the score was 1-1.

Australia got off to the better start, controlling the game in the opening minutes and immediately posing a threat with their first real attack. Volpato took a shot from about 20 meters and hit the crossbar (5.).

Egypt Takes Early Lead

Even after that, the "Socceroos" had more of the game, but it was the Egyptians who scored. With their first dangerous action, Ashour headed in a cross from Hafez at the near post (13.).

Egypt has now settled into the match and becomes dangerous through Ziko, but his shot, which narrowly flies past the left post, is ruled offside (21.).

After a brief moment of shock, Australia fought back, Behich tested Shoubeir, but he made a confident save (35.). A shot from Volpato just before halftime missed the goal quite clearly (45.+2).

Hany Scores Another Own Goal

After the break, Egypt immediately became dangerous from the kickoff. Marmoush was nicely played through, drove into the penalty area, and sent the ball just past the post (46.).

In response, Metcalf became dangerous with a header, but in doing so, knocked out Hany, who briefly lay motionless. The team doctors were quickly on the scene, and Hany was even able to continue (48.).

Australia now increasingly took control and was rewarded for it. After a free-kick from O'Neill, numerous players rose in the penalty area, and in the end, Hany was the last to touch it – own goal, 1-1 (55.). This was already his second own goal in this World Cup, having previously scored against his own net in the opener against Belgium.

Beach Saves Australia...

It remained an evenly matched encounter, although little came from open play for either team. Play mostly progressed to the penalty areas on both sides, but then it stopped.

In the 86th minute, Beach had to intervene on a Hassan cross; conversely, Australia became dangerous on the counter-attack but failed with the final pass before the goal.

In stoppage time, Egypt almost scored the winning goal: After a Salah cross, Rabia headed the ball, but Beach saved it with a magnificent stop (90.+4). Immediately afterwards, Souttar just managed to block a shot from Hassan (90.+5). Shortly after, regular time ended, and the match went to extra time.

...and is Substituted Off

In this period, Egypt had the first opportunity, but Salah shot well over from close range (93.). It remained the only notable action in the first half of extra time; the play continued to largely take place between the penalty areas.

At the start of the second half, Attia tried a long-range shot, the ball was deflected, but Beach was well-positioned (108.). Egypt now controlled the game, but Australia repeatedly defended against their attacks.

After 119 minutes, Australia then changed their goalkeeper: Coach Popovic brought on veteran Ryan for Beach, anticipating the penalty shootout. Shortly after, it was confirmed that there would be one.

Australia Shows Nerves and Must Head Home

Souttar started for Australia and shot well over.

Saber converted in return for Egypt. Irvine, Rabia, Mabil, and Salah followed suit. Harrington hit the crossbar, leaving Abdelmaguid with the chance to win it. The 25-year-old remained composed and scored – Egypt advanced to the Round of 16.

The Australians, on the other hand, must head home.