The Socceroos have fallen at the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in heartbreaking circumstances, losing 4-2 on penalties to Egypt.
An early goal for Egypt's Emam Ashour was cancelled out by a second-half own goal, but - with neither side able to find the winner - the game was ultimately decided when Hossam Abdelmaguid converted the decisive penalty in a shootout for his side.
Head Coach Tony Popovic named an unchanged squad from the one that drew with Paraguay and earned them the right to be on this stage. Harry Souttar once again wore the captain’s armband while Nestory Irankunda led the line up top.
It was a positive start for Australia who created a number of early chances. Cristian Volpato skimmed the top of the crossbar with an effort from outside the penalty area before Jordy Bos created an opportunity with a powerful run.
However, it was Egypt who scored first. They did well to keep the ball alive after a set piece opportunity. Karim Hafez lofted a well-weighted ball back into the box, and Emam Ashour timed his run perfectly, getting on the end of the header and opening the scoring.
Australia continued to create chances and looked lively after the first-half hydration break. Set pieces, in particular, were a threat.
Aziz Behich had perhaps the best sight on goal, having an effort saved in the 36th minute after being teed up by Irankunda. Volpato also looked creative, finding space for another shot from outside the box and curling just wide.
Despite Australia’s chances, it was Egypt who went into the half-time break one goal to the good.
There was one change at the break for Australia. Jordy Bos was forced off with an injury that he acquired in the final stages of the half. He was replaced at right wing-back by Kai Trewin, who made his first World Cup appearance.
Both sides had chances only moments after the break. Egypt had a golden chance to score through Omar Marmoush, followed by Jackson Irvine’s cross only slightly getting away from Connor Metcalfe at the back post.
In the 55th minute, Aiden O’Neill won a set piece on the edge of the area that he lined up to take himself. His delivery was perfectly directed, an inswinger into an incredibly dangerous area, and it got the reward it deserved – the ball directed off defender Mohamed Hany’s head as he attempted to clear and into the back of the net.
It was a deserved goal after the Socceroos had built well into the game.
There was a double change not long after the hydration break as Australia sought the winner. Mo Toure and Ajdin Hrustic were introduced, replacing Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato respectively.
Egypt had a barrage of set pieces late in regulation time. One of them, resulting in a header from Rami Rabia, looked destined to find the back of the net. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach instead pulled out a phenomenal save to keep the Socceroos in the game and send us to extra-time.
Popovic made two changes at full-time. Awer Mabil and Paul Okon-Engstler made their way onto the pitch for the 30 minutes of extra time, replacing Connor Metcalfe and Aiden O’Neill.
Egypt began the first part of extra time in the ascendency. Mo Salah had a golden chance early in the period but was unable to challenge Patrick Beach.
Australia continued to absorb pressure, waiting for their chance to counter. They found the moment 117 minutes into the match. Awer Mabil broke free, drawing a foul just outside the penalty area. It was a golden chance to shoot directly: however, Mabil’s effort clattered off the wall.
As the game look set for penalties, Popovic introduced the experienced Maty Ryan as the goalkeeper for the occasion. He took the captain’s armband.
Both teams were playing to win the first knockout game in their history.
It was Egypt who came out on top, with Hossam Abdelmaguid scoring the historic penalty for their nation, and winning the shootout 4-2. Jackson Irvine and Awer Mabil were the successful penalty takers for the Socceroos.
It marks the end of a historic campaign where Australia qualified out of the group for the third time in history and provides a springboard to continue growing into the future.
Match Summary
Australia: 1 (OG 55’)
Egypt: 1 (Ashoiur 13’)
Australia: 18. Patrick Beach (GK) (1. Maty Ryan (GK) 119’), 3. Alessandro Circati, 5. Jordan Bos (15. Kai Trewin 45’), 8. Connor Metcalfe (11. Awer Mabil 90’), 13. Aiden O’Neil (24. Paul Okon-Engstler 90’), 16. Aziz Behich, 17. Nestory Irankunda (9. Mohamed Toure 74’), 19. Harry Souttar (c), 20. Cristian Volpato (10. Ajdin Hrustic 74’), 22. Jackson Irvine, 25. Lucas Herrington
Unused substitutes: 12. Paul Izzo (GK), 2. Milos Degenek, 6. Jason Geria, 14. Cameron Devlin, 21. Cameron Burgess, 23. Nishan Velupillay, 26. Tete Yengi
Unavailable: 4. Jacob Italiano, 7. Mathew Leckie
Yellow cards: NA
Egypt: 23. Mostafa Ahmed Shobeir (GK), 2. Yasser Ibrahim, 3. Mohamed Hany, 5. Rami Rabia, 8. Emam Ashour, 10. Mohamed Salah, 11. Mostafa Ziko (12. Haissem Hassan 67’), 14. Hamdi Fathi (4. Hossam Abdelmaguid 67’), 15. Karim Hafez (7. Trezeguet 80’), 19. Marwan Ateya (21. Mahmoud Saber 120+1’), 22. Omar Marmoush (9. Hamza Abdelkarim 105’)
Unused substitutes: 16. Al Mahi Soliman (GK), 26. Mohamed Alaa (GK), 1. Mohamed El Shanawy (GK), 18. Nabil Dunga, 20. Ibrahim Adel, 24. Tarek Alaa, 25. Zizo
Yellow cards: 12. Haissem Hassan 105’, 2. Yasser Ibrahim 120’
