Egypt beats Australia on penalties to reach World Cup last 16 for first time since 1934

Historic night in Dallas

Egypt is through to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup for the first time since the 1934 tournament, ending a 92-year wait. The seven-time African champions edged Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate at the Dallas Stadium, watched by 70,244 fans. Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive spot kick, giving coach Hossam Hassan a landmark win.

Match flow

Australia made the brighter start. Cristian Volpato rattled the crossbar after five minutes with a 25-metre strike. Egypt then struck with their first chance: Emam Ashour headed home a Karim Hafez free-kick in the 13th minute. The Pharaohs controlled large stretches of the first half, limiting Australia to a tame Aziz Behich effort. After the break, Mohamed Hany turned a left-wing free-kick into his own net in the 55th minute, cancelling out the lead. Both sides grew cautious during regulation and extra time, neither able to find a winner.

Penalty drama

Australia coach Tony Popovic gambled by sending on veteran goalkeeper Mathew Ryan for Patrick Beach just before the shootout, a move that did not pay off. Egypt held their nerve from the spot. Captain Mohamed Salah, largely subdued during the match due to a thigh strain, converted his penalty. Abdelmaguid then stepped up to score the winner and spark celebrations.

Unwanted record

Hany’s own goal was his second of the tournament, after also putting through his own net against Belgium in the group stage. No player had previously scored two own goals at a single World Cup. The defender’s misfortune gave Australia an equaliser their open play rarely threatened.

What lies ahead

Egypt now faces the winner of Argentina and Cape Verde in Atlanta on Tuesday. A likely matchup with Lionel Messi’s Argentina awaits. For Australia, the wait for a first World Cup knockout victory continues, despite a campaign that triggered excitement at home.