Image: from VERSUS X @vsrsus
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
Egypt booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Australia 4,2 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a tense 1,1 draw after extra time in Casablanca.
The Pharaohs kept their composure from the spot to secure one of the most memorable victories in recent Egyptian football history and will now face either Argentina or Cape Verde in the next round.
Early breakthrough for Egypt
Australia started brightly and nearly opened the scoring when Cristian Volpato struck the crossbar with a powerful effort from distance.
The warning was short-lived.
In the 13th minute, Emam Ashour rose above the Australian defence to head home a perfectly delivered cross, giving Egypt an early advantage and rewarding the African side’s clinical start.
Despite the opening goal, chances remained scarce as both teams struggled to create meaningful attacking opportunities in a cautious and tightly contested encounter.
Australia fights back
The Socceroos eventually found an equaliser in the 55th minute through an own goal by Mohamed Hany, whose unfortunate touch diverted the ball into his own net.
Neither side managed to regain control after the equaliser, with the match becoming increasingly physical and tactical.
Extra time produced few clear opportunities, forcing the tie to be decided from the penalty spot.
Salah delivers under pressure
With the shootout hanging in the balance, captain Mohamed Salah stepped forward to convert the decisive penalty, sealing Egypt’s victory and sending the African nation into the knockout stage.
Immediately after the winning kick, the Liverpool forward broke down in tears as teammates rushed to celebrate around him in scenes of pure emotion.
The qualification marks only the second time in Egypt’s history that the nation has reached the World Cup Round of 16, matching its achievement from 1990.
Emotional scenes after historic qualification
Speaking after the match, Salah described the qualification as one of the proudest moments of his career.
“This is a dream come true, not only for me but for every Egyptian. We fought so hard to reach this point and many people doubted us. I only wanted to make Egypt proud.”
The victory sparked celebrations among Egyptian supporters both inside the stadium and across social media, with many hailing the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
The next challenge awaits
Egypt’s reward is a Round of 16 showdown against either Argentina or Cape Verde, with one of the tournament favourites potentially standing between the Pharaohs and a place in the quarter-finals.
Having already exceeded many expectations, Egypt now enters the knockout stage with renewed confidence, hoping to continue one of the biggest surprise runs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Match Result
Australia 1,1 Egypt
Egypt won 4- 2 on penalties
Goals
- Egypt: Emam Ashour (13′)
- Australia: Mohamed Hany (own goal, 55′)