Tony Popovic on Socceroos’ FIFA World Cup exit, small m
Aziz Behich reacts to Egypt heartbreak, Socceroos pride
Jackson Irvine reacts to Egypt penalty shootout defeat
Awer Mabil on Socceroos’ World Cup exit, national pride
Tony Popovic & Aiden O’Neill preview Egypt knockout cla
From Ringwood City FC to the Socceroos: Jackson Irvine'
Mile Jedinak on Egypt clash, penalty preparation & knoc
Alessandro Circati on Egypt clash, knockout belief & pe
Ajdin Hrustic on Egypt clash, penalty readiness & Socce
Jordan Bos on Egypt clash, knockout mindset & Socceroos
Tete Yengi on Egypt clash, Socceroos attack & base camp
Cristian Volpato on Egypt clash, Socceroos decision & f
Lucas Herrington on World Cup debut, Egypt challenge &
Connor Metcalfe on Egypt clash, knockout belief & Socce
The Socceroos have fallen at the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in heartbreaking circumstances, losing 4-2 on penalties to Egypt.
An early goal for Egypt's Emam Ashour was cancelled out by a second-half own goal, but - with neither side able to find the winner - the game was ultimately decided when Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive penalty in a shootout for his side.
Head Coach Tony Popovic named an unchanged squad from the one that drew with Paraguay and earned them the right to be on this stage. Harry Souttar once again wore the captain’s armband while Nestory Irankunda led the line up top.
It was a positive start for Australia who created a number of early chances. Cristian Volpato skimmed the top of the crossbar with an effort from outside the penalty area before Jordy Bos created an opportunity with a powerful run.
However, it was Egypt who scored first. They did well to keep the ball alive after a set piece opportunity. Karim Hafez lofted a well-weighted ball back into the box, and Emam Ashour timed his run perfectly, getting on the end of the header and opening the scoring.
Australia continued to create chances and looked lively after the first-half hydration break. Set pieces, in particular, were a threat.
Aziz Behich had perhaps the best sight on goal, having an effort saved in the 36th minute after being teed up by Irankunda. Volpato also looked creative, finding space for another shot from outside the box and curling just wide.
Despite Australia’s chances, it was Egypt who went into the half-time break one goal to the good.
There was one change at the break for Australia. Jordy Bos was forced off with an injury that he acquired in the final stages of the half. He was replaced at right wing-back by Kai Trewin, who made his first World Cup appearance.
Both sides had chances only moments after the break. Egypt had a golden chance to score through Omar Marmoush, followed by Jackson Irvine’s cross only slightly getting away from Connor Metcalfe at the back post.
In the 55th minute, Aiden O’Neill won a set piece on the edge of the area that he lined up to take himself. His delivery was perfectly directed, an inswinger into an incredibly dangerous area, and it got the reward it deserved – the ball directed off defender Mohamed Hany’s head as he attempted to clear and into the back of the net.
It was a deserved goal after the Socceroos had built well into the game.
There was a double change not long after the hydration break as Australia sought the winner. Mo Toure and Ajdin Hrustic were introduced, replacing Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato respectively.
Egypt had a barrage of set pieces late in regulation time. One of them, resulting in a header from Rami Rabia, looked destined to find the back of the net. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach instead pulled out a phenomenal save to keep the Socceroos in the game and send us to extra-time.
Popovic made two changes at full-time. Awer Mabil and Paul Okon-Engstler made their way onto the pitch for the 30 minutes of extra time, replacing Connor Metcalfe and Aiden O’Neill.
Egypt began the first part of extra time in the ascendency. Mo Salah had a golden chance early in the period but was unable to challenge Patrick Beach.
Australia continued to absorb pressure, waiting for their chance to counter. They found the moment 117 minutes into the match. Awer Mabil broke free, drawing a foul just outside the penalty area. It was a golden chance to shoot directly: however, Mabil’s effort clattered off the wall.
As the game look set for penalties, Popovic introduced the experienced Maty Ryan as the goalkeeper for the occasion. He took the captain’s armband.
Both teams were playing to win the first knockout game in their history.
It was Egypt who came out on top, with Hossam Abdelmaguid scoring the historic penalty for their nation, and winning the shootout 4-2. Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil were the successful penalty takers for the Socceroos.
It marks the end of a historic campaign where Australia qualified out of the group for the third time in history and provides a springboard to continue growing into the future.
Match Summary
Australia: 1 (2) (Hany OG 55’)
Egypt: 1 (4) (Ashoiur 13’)
Australia: 18. Patrick Beach (GK) (1. Maty Ryan (GK) 119’), 3. Alessandro Circati, 5. Jordan Bos (15. Kai Trewin 45’), 8. Connor Metcalfe (11. Awer Mabil 90’), 13. Aiden O’Neil (24. Paul Okon-Engstler 90’), 16. Aziz Behich, 17. Nestory Irankunda (9. Mohamed Toure 74’), 19. Harry Souttar (c), 20. Cristian Volpato (10. Ajdin Hrustic 74’), 22. Jackson Irvine, 25. Lucas Herrington
Unused substitutes: 12. Paul Izzo (GK), 2. Milos Degenek, 6. Jason Geria, 14. Cameron Devlin, 21. Cameron Burgess, 23. Nishan Velupillay, 26. Tete Yengi
Unavailable: 4. Jacob Italiano, 7. Mathew Leckie
Yellow cards: NA
Egypt: 23. Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir (GK), 2. Yasser Ibrahim, 3. Mohamed Hany, 5. Rami Rabia, 8. Emam Ashour, 10. Mohamed Salah, 11. Mostafa Ziko (12. Haissem Hassan 67’), 14. Hamdi Fathi (4. Hossam Abdelmaguid 67’), 15. Karim Hafez (7. Trezeguet 80’), 19. Marwan Ateya (21. Mahmoud Saber 120+1’), 22. Omar Marmoush (9. Hamza Abdelkarim 105’)
Unused substitutes: 16. Al Mahi Soliman (GK), 26. Mohamed Alaa (GK), 1. Mohamed El Shanawy (GK), 18. Nabil Dunga, 20. Ibrahim Adel, 24. Tarek Alaa, 25. Zizo
Yellow cards: 12. Haissem Hassan 105’, 2. Yasser Ibrahim 120’
Match Preview: Australia v Egypt | FIFA World Cup 2026™ | Round of 32
The Socceroos enter the knockout stages for the third time in their history when they take on Egypt in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Egypt finished second in Group G after one win and two draws in the group stage. They have advanced out of their group for the first time in the modern era on the back of world-class attacking talent and will be determined to continue their historic run.
The Socceroos, however, have history tantalisingly close: a first ever World Cup knockout stage victory.
Read our preview of the big game below.
The Squad
Mathew Leckie and Jacob Italiano have left the squad after respective hamstring and adductor injuries kept them out of the final group stage game against Paraguay. Head Coach Tony Popovic has no further injury concerns coming into our fourth match.
He said during the week that the entire squad has a purpose, and he will deploy the starting eleven that fits the situation the best.
"We have a wonderful group that is together, is united, and they're all playing their part," he said.
"I'm confident we can see that again tomorrow, regardless of who plays and the players that come on to make an impact. We know how big this game is, and I think all the players are ready to deliver."
Last Game
Australia kept Paraguay to a scoreless draw in the third match of Group D, ensuring that they finished second in the group and would progress through to the knockout stages.
It is a result that looks particularly impressive given Paraguay's subsequent victory over giants Germany.
"We saw against Paraguay a controlled performance in a game that was elimination for both teams," he said.
"We showed real maturity and confidence and composure and resilience that is required. I'm confident that the players are ready to step up again tomorrow."
The Opponent
Egypt have put together a consistent and steady run at the tournament to reach the Round of 32. They announced themselves on this stage by holding Belgium to a 1-1 draw, before defeating New Zealand and finishing with a 1-1 draw with Iran.
The last time the Socceroos played Egypt was in a friendly in 2010. Egypt were 3-0 victors that day. The only other meeting was in 1987, where it was a scoreless draw in Seoul, Korea Republic.
Egypt's key player is Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah. He comes into the game with an injury cloud hanging over him, adding an extra layer of intrigue to proceedings - Manchester City's Omar Marmoush is likely to lead the attack should he be unable to start.
They are led by Egyptian footballing legend Hossam Hassan. He has been Head Coach since early 2024.
"We have obviously prepared for Mohamed Salah playing. We've seen when he's not on the pitch, the players that are in those positions where he may play. So we've prepared for both scenarios and we'll see tomorrow," Popovic said.
"They're like us, wanting to win their first knockout game. So it will be a special match. We're delighted that we're at this stage and we want to show once more Australian football on the world stage."
FIFA World Rankings
Australia: 28
Egypt: 26
Head-to-head
Played: 2
Wins: 0
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Form Guide
Australia form guide: D-L-W-D-L
Egypt form guide: D-W-D-L-W
What They Said
Tony Popovic
We always had a belief that we are good enough to be at this stage. We have another chance tomorrow to show that we deserve to be here. And I think that's what really excites myself, the coaching staff and the entire playing group.
Aiden O'Neill
They're all big games. Egypt have got attacking threat, which we're obviously aware of, and so did all the other teams. So we just focus on ourselves and do what we do.
Alessandro Circati
I'm thinking for them to be quite aggressive, to use the individual abilities that they have, try and exploit that. We know the sort of players that they have, and maybe create the game through them. We’ve got to try to stop that, and really take our chances, exploit their vulnerabilities, and try to finish the game with a win.
Ajdin Hrustic
I'm ready, the boys look ready, and we'll prepare for every scenario. We'll hope it gets done by 90. If not, 120. If not, then we'll be ready for the penalties. That's the mindset the boys will have, and the staff. And the boss decides at the end who's gonna take it.
Jordy Bos
In the group stages, if you lost the game or if you didn't win, then you still have another chance the next week. For the knockouts, there's no second chances. I think it's going into this game like there is no tomorrow because, if we lose, there is no tomorrow.
Tete Yengi
Physically, I think we're superior to the other teams. So as long as we keep working on that and we show the rest of the game on the ball, we have top-quality players. Everyone on the pitch can hurt teams at any time.
Lucas Herrington
We all look forward to the occasion. It's now a chance to make history, so now we can't wait, we are all ready.
Connor Metcalfe
We’ve come so far, I don’t think anyone expected us to even get out of the group, so we’re all buzzing just to have this amazing achievement and be able to be in this knockout stage.
Next Match Details
Australia vs Egypt
Date: Friday, 3 July
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, USA
Kick-off: 1:00pm local / 4:00am AEST (Saturday, 4 July)
Broadcast: SBS and SBS On Demand
FIFA World Cup Canada, Mexico, United States 2026™ - Australia's Group D Matches
Australia 2 v Türkiye 0
Date: Saturday, 13 June
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
Kick-off: 9:00pm local / 2:00pm AEST (Sunday, 14 June)
Broadcast: SBS and SBS On Demand
USA 2 v Australia 0
Date: Friday, 19 June
Venue: Seattle Stadium, Seattle, USA
Kick-off: 12:00pm local / 5:00am AEST (Saturday, 20 June)
Broadcast: SBS and SBS On Demand
Paraguay 0 v Australia 0
Date: Thursday, 25 June
Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, USA
Kick-off: 7:00pm local / 12:00pm AEST (Friday, 26 June)
Broadcast: SBS and SBS On Demand
