World Cup 2026: Egypt suffer double injury blow ahead of Australia clash

Egypt will be without defenders Ahmed Fattouh and Mohamed Abdelmonem for their Round of 32 match against Australia after both players were ruled out through injury.

The Pharaohs face the Socceroos on Friday, 3 July, but will have to navigate the crucial World Cup fixture without two key members of their squad after the Egyptian Football Association confirmed their absences.

According to Mohamed Abou El Ala, the Egyptian national team’s doctor, Fattouh is sidelined with a hamstring tear, while Abdelmonem is recovering from an ankle injury sustained following a heavy collision.

The medical update means Egypt must adjust their plans as they prepare for one of their biggest matches of the tournament.

Egypt confirm two injury absences

The Pharaohs’ preparations for the knockout stage have been disrupted by injuries to two experienced players.

Fattouh and Abdelmonem miss Australia fixture

Ahmed Fattouh and Mohamed Abdelmonem will not be available for Egypt’s meeting with Australia after the team’s medical staff confirmed they are unfit to play.

Information released by Mohamed Abou El Ala on the official website of the Egyptian Football Association detailed the nature of both injuries.

According to the team doctor, Fattouh is suffering from a hamstring tear, while Abdelmonem sustained an ankle injury after a heavy collision during the tournament.

Following medical assessments, the Egyptian coaching staff have been informed that neither player will recover in time for the Round of 32 encounter.

Their absence represents a setback for Egypt as they prepare to continue their World Cup campaign.

Knockout match set for Dallas

Egypt’s next challenge comes against Australia in the opening knockout round of the competition.

Pharaohs face socceroos in round of 32

The Round of 32 match between Egypt and Australia is scheduled to take place on Friday, 3 July, at 6:00 PM GMT.

The fixture will be played at Dallas Stadium in Texas, United States, where one team will progress to the next stage of the tournament.

With two players unavailable through injury, Egypt will head into the contest looking to overcome a significant selection challenge against the Socceroos.

Egypt reached knockout stage after strong group campaign

The Pharaohs secured their place in the Round of 32 with a series of disciplined performances during the group stage.

Second place finish earned knockout spot

Mohamed Salah’s teammates advanced after finishing second in Group G, ending the group stage behind Belgium on goal difference.

Egypt remained unbeaten throughout the opening phase of the tournament.

The team earned draws against Belgium (1-1) and Iran (1-1) before recording a 3-1 victory over New Zealand, results that proved enough to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.

Those performances kept Egypt’s World Cup hopes alive, but they now face Australia without Fattouh and Abdelmonem.

Despite the injury setbacks, the Pharaohs will aim to continue their campaign and secure a place in the last 16 when they take to the field in Dallas.