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™.
 

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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.

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