Mahmoud Saber has declared Egypt will be fully prepared for their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 showdown with Australia, after the Pharaohs secured their place in the knockout stages with a 1-1 draw against Iran on Saturday.

Saber himself opened the scoring in the 5th minute, finishing from close range after goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand could only parry a deflected strike from Mohamed Salah. Iran hit back through Ramin Rezaeian, who levelled nine minutes later to share the spoils.

Saber's confidence ahead of the Australia test

Despite not claiming all three points, the result was enough to send Egypt through, and Saber made clear he intends to carry that momentum into the next round.

"I am very proud to take part in the World Cup, the greatest stage of football," the ZED star told FIFA.com. "We had a great result tonight from this match and we are proud to make it to the knockout stage and make all Egyptian fans happy."

"It is a huge privilege to score in the World Cup. We will study Australia very well and we will try to be ready for the next match."

Egypt are set to face Australia at Dallas Stadium on Friday, 3 July, with Saber's goal — and his words — signalling a squad full of belief as the Pharaohs prepare for the biggest test of their tournament so far.