Egypt have reached the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw through 120 minutes of football in Texas — marking the Pharaohs' first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match.

Mohamed Salah, captaining his country, delivered one of the night's defining moments when he stepped up and chipped home a composed panenka penalty during the shootout. Hossam Abdelmaguid struck the decisive kick to seal Egypt's historic triumph.

A dramatic evening in Texas

Egypt drew first blood through Emam Ashour, who found the net in the 13th minute. However, the lead did not last, as Mohamed Hany turned the ball into his own net to restore parity for Australia — the second own goal Hany had scored at this tournament, making him the first player in World Cup history to net two own goals at the same edition.

Despite Egypt and Salah squandering the better opportunities in normal time and extra time, neither side could find a winner. The match went to penalties, where the Pharaohs held their nerve to prevail 4-2 and book their place in the last 16.

What's next for Egypt

The Pharaohs will now wait to discover their round of 16 opponents, with either Argentina or Cape Verde set to stand between them and a place in the quarterfinals.