Pharaohs become second African side in knockout stage, set up blockbuster clash with Argentina

Egypt have booked a historic spot in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Australia, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The Pharaohs started brightly, with Emam Ashour firing them into the lead in the first half. However, Australia clawed their way back into the contest in the second half through an own goal by Mohamed Hany, setting up a tense finish.

Both sides created opportunities to settle the tie in regulation and extra time but were unable to find a decisive breakthrough, forcing the match into penalties.

Egypt showed composure when it mattered most, converting all four of their spot-kicks, while Australia faltered with two missed attempts. Hossam Abdelmaguid calmly slotted home the winning penalty to seal a memorable victory for the North Africans.

The result sees Egypt become the second African team to reach the knockout stage of the tournament, underlining a strong showing for the continent on the global stage.

They will now face reigning champions Argentina in the Round of 16, with captain Mohamed Salah hailing the qualification as a landmark achievement and urging his side to keep pushing for a place in the quarter-finals.