World Cup 2026: Australia vs Egypt – Preview, analysis and where to watch

Egypt will look to continue their remarkable 2026 FIFA World Cup journey when they face Australia in the Round of 32 on Friday at Dallas Stadium.

The Pharaohs have already made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time after coming through Group G unbeaten, and they now stand one victory away from another major milestone.

Australia, however, are equally determined to break new ground as the Socceroos pursue their first-ever World Cup knockout win in what promises to be a tense and closely fought encounter.

Egypt finding confidence in attack

Hossam Hassan’s side advanced as runners-up behind Belgium after collecting five points from their three group matches.

The North Africans began their campaign with victory over New Zealand before earning draws against Belgium and Iran to secure progression.

Egypt’s attacking displays during the group phase marked a major improvement from previous tournaments. The Pharaohs scored five goals in three matches, equalling the total they had managed across their previous seven World Cup games combined.

Attention will once again centre on captain Mohamed Salah, who is expected to lead the attack alongside Omar Marmoush, Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet.

Despite their encouraging performances, questions remain over Egypt’s consistency as they enter the knockout stage following mixed recent form.

Australia relying on defensive solidity

Australia reached the Round of 32 after a goalless draw against Paraguay secured second place in Group D.

Tony Popovic’s men have struggled in front of goal, scoring only twice at the tournament and failing to score in each of their last two matches.

However, the Socceroos have impressed defensively, conceding only two goals during the group stage to establish themselves as one of the tournament’s most organised sides.

Australia are appearing in the World Cup knockout stage for only the third time in their history, having previously been eliminated by eventual champions in both 2006 and 2022.

Previous meetings evenly balanced

The two nations have faced each other twice previously, with both sides recording one victory each.

Australia will also take confidence from the fact that they remain unbeaten in two previous World Cup meetings against African opposition.

For Egypt, the match represents another opportunity to strengthen Africa’s presence in the competition and move closer to a historic quarter-final appearance.

Possible line-ups and match details

Australia possible XI: Beach; Geria, Burgess, Circati, Souttar, Bos; Leckie, Okon-Engstler, O’Neill, Velupillay; Toure.

Egypt possible XI: Shobeir; Hany, Yasser Ibrahim, Rabia, Kareem Hafez; Marawan Attia, Mahmoud Saber; Salah, Emam Ashour, Mahmoud Trezeguet; Marmoush.

The match will be played on Friday, 3 July, at Dallas Stadium.

Kick-off times:

Dallas – 13:00
Canberra – 04:00 (4 July)
Cairo – 21:00
Accra – 18:00 GMT