World Cup: Egypt beat Australia on penalties to book last-16 place

Egypt 1-1 Australia (4-2 penalties) Egypt reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Dallas on Friday. Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive spot-kick to spark wild celebrations among the Pharaohs after Australia missed two penalties, sealing a landmark victory that sends Egypt into the last 16, where they will face either defending champions Argentina or surprise package Cape Verde. The triumph also ended Egypt's miserable run in penalty shootouts, having lost each of their previous four. Australia made the brighter start and nearly stunned the North Africans inside five minutes when Cristian Volpato unleashed a thunderous strike from distance that clipped the top of the crossbar. Moments later, Jordan Bos burst through the Egyptian defence but was denied by a superb last-ditch challenge from Rami Rabia just as he prepared to shoot. Having survived the early pressure, Egypt struck with their first effort on target. In the 13th minute, Karim Hafez whipped in a delightful cross from the left and Emam Ashour stooped low at the far post to guide a precise header beyond goalkeeper Patrick Beach, giving the Pharaohs an early advantage. The goal settled Egypt, who began to dictate the tempo with composed possession and intelligent movement. Although Australia enjoyed spells on the ball, they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Aziz Behich finally forced Mostafa Shobeir into action after half an hour, but the Egyptian goalkeeper was equal to the effort as the Pharaohs carried their deserved lead into the interval. Egypt almost doubled their advantage immediately after the restart. Just seconds into the second half, Omar Marmoush raced clear on goal but failed to hit the target with the opportunity at his mercy. Australia gradually found their way back into the contest and were handed a fortunate equaliser. Mohamed Hany, who had endured a difficult afternoon defensively, inadvertently turned a dangerous Australian free-kick into his own net, bringing the Socceroos level and breathing new life into the match. The equaliser transformed the contest into an end-to-end battle. Egypt piled on the pressure late in normal time, with Patrick Beach producing a stunning one-handed save to deny Rami Rabia's powerful header before Harry Souttar threw himself in front of Haitham Hassan's goal-bound effort to force extra time. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah endured a frustrating evening and squandered his best chance during extra time, blazing over the crossbar from a promising position as neither side could find a decisive breakthrough. With penalties looming, Australia made a late goalkeeping switch, introducing veteran Mathew Ryan in place of Beach in the closing moments of extra time. The gamble failed to pay off. Souttar blazed Australia's opening penalty over the crossbar to hand Egypt an immediate advantage, and the Pharaohs never looked back. Salah then produced a moment of supreme confidence, calmly chipping home a Panenka penalty to underline Egypt's composure. When 18-year-old Lucas Herrington missed Australia's fourth kick, Abdelmaguid stepped forward and coolly dispatched the winning penalty, sealing one of the greatest victories in Egyptian football history. The result sends the Pharaohs into the World Cup last 16 for the first time and keeps alive their dream of a historic run, while Australia bow out after a spirited but ultimately heartbreaking defeat.

World Cup 2026

World Cup: Egypt beat Australia on penalties to book last-16 place