Egypt make history by reaching FIFA World Cup Round of 16 for the first time
Published:
Friday, 03 July 2026
Egypt wrote a new chapter in their football history on Friday by becoming the second African nation to book a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a gripping 1-1 draw following extra time in Dallas
The victory marks the first time the Pharaohs have progressed beyond the FIFA World Cup knockout play-off stage to reach the Round of 16, eclipsing all of their previous appearances at the global showpiece
After 120 minutes failed to separate the two sides, Egypt held their nerve from the penalty spot to seal a famous victory and set up a last-16 encounter against either defending champions Argentina or Cape Verde
Emam Ashour gave Egypt a deserved first-half lead with a towering header in the 13th minute after Karim Hafez recycled possession from a Mohamed Salah free-kick and delivered an inviting cross to the far post. It was Ashour’s second goal of the tournament and capped an impressive opening spell in which the seven-time African champions controlled possession and dictated the tempo
Australia found an equaliser in the 55th minute through an unfortunate own goal by Mohamed Hany, whose attempted defensive header from a dangerous free-kick looped beyond his own goalkeeper to level matters at 1-1
Extra time followed a similar pattern, with Egypt enjoying the better openings. Salah missed a golden chance from close range before Australia’s defence, led by Souttar and Beach, repeatedly frustrated the African side as penalties became inevitable
The shootout produced plenty of drama
Harry Souttar blazed Australia’s opening penalty over the crossbar before Mahmoud Saber confidently converted to hand Egypt the advantage
Jackson Irvine and Rami Rabia both scored before Awer Mabil restored parity at 2-2. Mohamed Salah then displayed remarkable composure with a Panenka to put Egypt back in front, before teenage Australian Lucas Herrington struck the crossbar to leave the Pharaohs one successful kick away from history
Hossam Abdelmaguid stepped forward and calmly converted the decisive penalty, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Egyptian players and supporters as the Pharaohs secured a memorable 4-2 shootout victory
Having become only the second African nation to qualify for the Round of 16 at this year’s FIFA World Cup, Egypt will now look to continue their historic run when they face either Argentina or Cape Verde for a place in the quarter-finals
