Egypt reached the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Australia 4-2 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw at Dallas Stadium on Friday.
The Pharaohs took an early lead through Emam Ashour, but Australia forced extra time after Mohamed Hany headed into his own net in the second half.
Neither side could find a winner in extra time, although Egypt created the better chances and finished the stronger team.
Mahmoud Saber, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Salah and Hossam Abdel-Maguid all scored from the spot for Egypt, while Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil converted for Australia.
Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed for the Socceroos as Egypt secured one of the greatest nights in their World Cup history.
The victory means Egypt are through to the last 16, where they will face the winner of Argentina’s tie against Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium on 7 July.
For African football, it was another major moment at the tournament, with Egypt joining Morocco among the teams from the continent to reach the round of 16.
Ashour gives Egypt dream start
Australia almost shocked Egypt in the fifth minute when Cristian Volpato struck a powerful effort against the crossbar.
But Egypt responded quickly and took control of the early stages. The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Karim Hafez delivered a perfect cross from the left and Ashour rose strongly to head past the Australian goalkeeper.
It was a confident finish from the midfielder, who later won the man-of-the-match award after an influential performance in both attack and defence.
Egypt then chose to protect their lead, staying compact and trying to limit Australia’s threat. The Socceroos had more shots in the first half, but Mostafa Shobeir was alert when required, including in the 35th minute when he held a powerful effort from Aziz Behich.
Australia profit from Egypt mistake
Egypt had a major chance to double their lead immediately after the restart.
Mustafa Zico released Omar Marmoush, who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the forward dragged his shot narrowly wide of the post.
That miss proved costly. Australia equalised in the 55th minute from a set-piece situation when Hany, trying to clear a dangerous free-kick delivery, headed the ball past Shobeir and into his own net.
The goal changed the rhythm of the match and gave Australia renewed belief. Hossam Hassan responded with changes, introducing Hossam Abdel-Maguid and Haitham Hassan for Zico and Hamdi Fathi, before Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet replaced the injured Karim Hafez.
Egypt gradually regained control and pushed for a late winner.
