Egypt are through to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As of July 3, 2026, the Pharaohs defeated Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32. It is the first time Egypt have ever won a World Cup knockout match.
Four tournament appearances (as of July 3, 2026). 1934, 1990, 2018, and now 2026. Egypt had never advanced past the group stage before this World Cup. Now they have a knockout win.
How the match unfolded
Emam Ashour scored in the 13th minute to give Egypt an early lead (as of July 3, 2026).
Australia equalized in the second half through a Mohamed Hany own goal — his second own goal of the tournament. The match finished 1-1 and went to extra time. No further goals came. Penalties.
The shootout
Australia brought on goalkeeper Mathew Ryan at the end of extra time, a calculated gamble on a designated penalty specialist. It did not work. Ryan failed to stop any of Egypt's four penalties.
Mohamed Salah buried a Panenka. Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the winning spot-kick. Egypt won 4-2 on penalties.
Salah's presence
Salah entered the match carrying fitness concerns over his hamstring. He played anyway. He scored in the shootout anyway. In the last 12 months, Salah has 831 NT minutes, 5 goals, and 3 assists in 10 appearances. At club level with Liverpool, he has logged 3244 minutes with 13 goals and 11 assists across 42 appearances. He is 34. He is still the talisman (as of July 3, 2026).
Key absences and context
Monahad Lasheen was unavailable due to suspension. Egypt managed without him.
Hossam Hassan's side had already made history by advancing out of Group G, which featured Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. Their recent form heading into the knockout stage told the story: 13 wins, 9 draws, and 4 losses across their last 26 matches, with 35 goals scored and 19 conceded (as of July 3, 2026).
What comes next
Egypt's Round of 16 opponent awaits. A potential meeting with Argentina or Cape Verde in Atlanta on July 7 looms. Either matchup would be the biggest test yet of how far this run can stretch.
Track Egypt minute by minute as the tournament continues.
Who scored in the Egypt vs Australia match?
Emam Ashour scored for Egypt in the 13th minute. Australia equalized through a Mohamed Hany own goal in the second half. The match ended 1-1 after extra time and went to penalties, which Egypt won 4-2.
How did Egypt win the penalty shootout against Australia?
Egypt converted all four of their penalties. Mohamed Salah scored a Panenka, and Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive kick. Australia's substitute goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, brought on specifically for the shootout, did not save a single penalty.
When do Egypt play their Round of 16 match?
Egypt's Round of 16 match is expected to take place on July 7 in Atlanta. Their opponent will be determined by other Round of 32 results (as of July 3, 2026).
Why is this result historic for Egypt?
This is Egypt's first-ever win in a World Cup knockout match. Egypt had qualified for four World Cups — 1934, 1990, 2018, and 2026 — but had never previously advanced past the group stage.
Who is Mohamed Salah's club and what is his current form?
Over the last 12 months he has recorded 3244 club minutes, 13 goals, and 11 assists in 42 appearances. For Egypt's national team in the same window, he has 831 minutes, 5 goals, and 3 assists in 10 appearances (as of July 3, 2026).