Egypt have advanced to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after eliminating Australia in a tense penalty shoot-out at Dallas Stadium, with the match finishing 1-1 after extra time before the Pharaohs prevailed 4-2 on spot-kicks.

Ashour heads Egypt in front

Egypt dominated large stretches of the first half, and their pressure paid off on 13 minutes when Emam Ashour nodded home unmarked from the back of the box. Australia had a let-off moments earlier when Cristian Volpato's long-range effort clipped the crossbar, while Zico threatened but was ruled offside in the 21st minute.

Egypt should have put the match beyond reach at the start of the second half when Omar Marmoush dragged his shot wide straight from the restart — a miss that would prove costly.

Own goal brings Australia level

Australia found their way back into the contest in the 55th minute when Mohamed Hany inadvertently glanced the ball into his own net to level at 1-1. The equaliser gave the Socceroos renewed energy, and they came agonisingly close to a winner in stoppage time when Patrick Beach produced a brilliant save to claw away Ramy Rabia's header in the 94th minute, forcing the game into extra time.

Salah shines but shoot-out decides it

Mohamed Salah grew into the contest during extra time and gave Egypt their most dangerous moments, but neither side could find a decisive goal. Australia made a notable change in the 119th minute, bringing on experienced goalkeeper Mat Ryan to replace Beach ahead of the anticipated shoot-out.

Egypt had lost their previous four penalty shoot-outs, making the prospect a nervy one — but Ryan could not stop them. Salah calmly dinked his kick down the middle, and Egypt's four takers all converted. Australia, meanwhile, were undone by two misses: Harry Souttar blazed the opening penalty over the crossbar, and Lucas Herrington struck the bar late in the sequence. Abdelmaguid then sent Ryan the wrong way to seal Egypt's progression.

Egypt now set up a last-16 clash with either Argentina or Cape Verde.