Egypt booked their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday, edging past Australia 4-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw that went the distance in regulation and extra time.
Egypt struck first through Ashour in the 13th minute, a composed finish that gave the Pharaohs an early lead and set the tone for a match that swung between control and chaos. Australia fought their way back into the contest and were level by the 55th minute, courtesy of an own goal from Hany that briefly silenced the Egyptian bench.
Neither side could find a winner across the remaining minutes of normal time or through a physical extra period, sending the last-32 clash to a penalty shootout. Egypt’s players held their nerve when it mattered most, converting enough spot-kicks to seal a 4-2 shootout win and send Australia home.
The result extends Egypt’s run at this World Cup and adds another dramatic chapter to a Round of 32 that has already produced extra time and shootout drama across multiple fixtures. The Pharaohs now turn their attention to the Round of 16, where they’ll meet the winner of another last-32 tie.
For Australia, the exit will sting given how close they came to forcing a way through, but the Socceroos can leave the tournament with credit for the fight they showed to level the score and take the tie all the way to penalties.
Stay with VIRA Broadcasting for full coverage of the Round of 16 draw and fixture schedule as the World Cup 2026 knockout stage continues.
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