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World Cup Round of 32 preview: Australia, Egypt battle for historic last-16 place
03rd July, 2026 01:26 PM
Australia and Egypt will go head-to-head on Friday, July 3, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington as they fight for a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Socceroos advanced after finishing second in Group D, while the Pharaohs also secured the runners-up spot in Group G to earn their place in the knockout rounds.
Match preview
Australia began their campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over Turkey before falling by the same scoreline against co-hosts the United States. A hard-fought 0-0 draw with Paraguay in their final group fixture proved enough to send Tony Popovic’s side through with four points, finishing two behind group winners USA.
The Australians have previous experience in the World Cup knockout stages, having reached the Round of 16 in both 2006 and 2022. Their most recent appearance ended with a defeat to eventual champions Argentina.
Australia have met Egypt only once before, losing 3-0 in an international friendly played in November 2010.
Victory on Friday would book the Socceroos a Round of 16 meeting against either defending champions Argentina or tournament surprise package Cape Verde.
Egypt also impressed during the group phase, collecting five points to finish second behind Belgium only on goal difference.
Hossam Hassan’s men opened with a 1-1 draw against Belgium before defeating New Zealand 3-1 in their second outing. Another 1-1 draw, this time against Iran, sealed their progression into the knockout rounds.
The North Africans are hoping to reach the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time since 1934. After suffering three defeats in the group stage at the 2018 tournament, their performances in this year’s competition already represent significant progress, but they will be aiming to go even further.
Team news
Australia will be missing Jacob Italiano, who is recovering from a groin injury, while experienced winger Mathew Leckie remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Tony Popovic is expected to keep faith with the side that drew against Paraguay, with young defender Lucas Herrington likely to retain his place in central defence.
Twenty-year-old forward Nestory Irankunda, who has scored six goals in 18 appearances for Australia and found the net once during this tournament, is set to spearhead the attack again.
Egypt, meanwhile, are monitoring several fitness concerns. Mohamed Salah is battling a hamstring issue suffered against Iran, while Hamdy Fathy, Hossam Abdelmaguid, Mohamed Abdelmonem and Ahmed El Fotouh are also doubts because of injuries.
The Egyptian camp remains optimistic that Salah will recover in time to start the match. However, midfielder Mohanad Lasheen will miss the contest after accumulating enough yellow cards to earn a suspension.
Possible lineups
Australia: Beach; Circati, Souttar, Herrington; Bos, O’Neill, Irvine, Behich; Volpato, Irankunda, Metcalfe.
Egypt: Shobeir; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hafez; Ateya, Saber, Ziko, Salah, Ashour; Marmoush.
