World Cup 2026: Confirmed lineups for Australia vs Egypt

Australia and Egypt have confirmed their starting lineups for their highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 knockout clash at Dallas Stadium.

Both nations enter this critical matchup looking to secure a historic milestone, as neither side has ever won a World Cup knockout stage match in their footballing history.

Popovic keeps faith in youth

Australia head coach Tony Popovic has elected to field an unchanged starting eleven from the side that secured a gritty 0-0 draw against Paraguay to close out the group stage.

Youngster Patrick Beach keeps his spot between the posts following an impressive run of form. In front of him, 18-year-old defensive prodigy Lucas Herrington retains his place in a three-man backline alongside the experienced Harry Souttar and Alessandro Circati.

The Socceroos’ tactical blueprint relies heavily on their midfield stability. The FC St. Pauli partnership of Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe will orchestrate the central areas, flanked by energetic wingbacks Jordan Bos and Aziz Behich.

Up front, Watford’s dangerous 20-year-old attacker Nestory Irankunda will carry the primary goalscoring burden for Australia as they attempt to break a two-game goal drought.

Australia lineup (3-4-2-1)

• Goalkeeper: Patrick Beach
• Defenders: Alessandro Circati • Harry Souttar • Lucas Herrington
• Midfielders: Jordan Bos • Aiden O’Neill • Jackson Irvine • Aziz Behich
• Attacking Midfielders: Cristian Volpato • Connor Metcalfe
• Forward: Nestory Irankunda
• Substitutes: Ryan, Izzo, Degenek, Geria, Trewin, Burgess, Devlin, Okon-Engstler, Toure, Hrustic, Mabil, Velupillay, Yengi

Salah starts for the Pharaohs

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has received a monumental boost as talisman Mohamed Salah is passed fit to start. The Liverpool legend had been racing against time to overcome a troublesome hamstring injury sustained during the group stages. Salah will anchor a dynamic attacking midfield trident that includes Mostafa Zico and Emam Ashour.

Defensively, the Pharaohs are missing several key figures due to injuries, forcing notable personnel adjustments. Mostafa Shobeir starts in goal, protected by central defenders Yasser Ibrahim and Ramy Rabia. Karim Hafez fills in at left-back to complete the back four.

In midfield, the combative duo of Marwan Attia and Hamdi Fathy will provide defensive cover, tasked with breaking up Australian transitions and feeding the ball to lone striker Omar Marmoush.

Egypt Lineup (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Mostafa Shobeir
• Defenders: Mohamed Hany • Yasser Ibrahim • Ramy Rabia • Karim Hafez
• Defensive Midfielders: Marwan Attia • Hamdi Fathy
• Attacking Midfielders: Mostafa Zico • Mohamed Salah • Emam Ashour
• Forward: Omar Marmoush
• Substitutes: El Shenawy, Soliman, Alaa, Abdelmaguid, Alaa, Dunga, Saber, Trezeguet, Abdelkarim, Hassan, Adel, Zizo