Egypt beat Australia on penalties to reach World Cup last 16 for the first time, with Argentina awaiting

Egypt reached the World Cup last 16 for the first time in their history on Friday, beating Australia 4–2 on penalties after a tense 1–1 draw in Arlington, Texas, to set up a potential showdown with defending champions Argentina.

A tense affair in which Egypt and their off-colour captain Mohamed Salah wasted the better chances had ended 1–1 after 120 minutes in Texas. Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the winning penalty as Egypt made history by beating a dogged Australia 4–2 in the shootout.

Egypt have qualified for the FIFA World Cup on four occasions: in 1934, where they became the first Arab, Middle Eastern and African team to play in the tournament, 1990, 2018, and 2026. Before this edition, Egypt had never advanced beyond the opening stage of the competition.

How the match unfolded

Australia forward Nestory Irankunda failed to pick up Ashour, who headed home at the back post from a cross by Karim Hafez for his second goal of the tournament — a 13th-minute lead that Egypt would carry to half-time.

Popovic's side had nearly taken the lead with less than five minutes gone as Cristian Volpato — who switched to Australia from Italy on the eve of the World Cup — rattled the top of the crossbar.

The 34-year-old talisman Salah, who came into the match after a hamstring strain, made little impact in an attritional first 45 minutes. The half ended with Jordan Bos, one of the fastest players at the tournament, in a heap after a flying challenge from Rabia. The wing-back had to be helped from the pitch and was replaced at half-time by Kai Trewin in a blow to Australian hopes.

Omar Marmoush should have doubled the advantage at the start of the second period. Egypt's coach had said he was wary of Australia's physical approach, and so it proved as Hany headed under pressure into his own net from an in-swinging free-kick. It was Hany's second own goal of the tournament.

It still took a stunning save from Patrick Beach to deny Ramy Rabia a 94th-minute winner and take the game to extra time. Mohamed Salah came to life in extra time but could not force the winner, and Egypt would have been entitled to feel concerned by the prospect of penalties, having lost their previous four shoot-outs — particularly when Ryan came on in goal for Australia.

The shootout

Australia coach Tony Popovic threw on experienced goalkeeper Mathew Ryan for the penalty shootout in a last-gasp gamble. Shooting towards the Egypt fans and with whistles raining down, defender Harry Souttar blazed the first penalty over to put the Socceroos on the immediate backfoot.

The next five players all scored, including Salah with the coolest of penalties, before 18-year-old Australia defender Lucas Herrington hit the bar. The experienced stopper replaced Beach but could not keep out any Egypt penalties, with Salah dinking his effort down the middle. Abdelmaguid kept his nerve to send Egypt through, leaving Salah in tears of joy and breaking Australia hearts.

Salah: "It's history"

An emotional Salah spoke to BBC Sport immediately after the final penalty. "It's history," said Salah, who was emotional after his country won a World Cup knockout game for the first time. On his decision to attempt a Panenka, the captain was characteristically direct: "If someone was going to do it, it was going to be me. I am more experienced than others, I want to give them confidence but I decided last minute. I don't know if it's my last World Cup or not, so I had to do it." On possibly facing Messi in the round of 16, he said: "We have to respect both teams and we'll see what's next."

In March 2026, Salah announced that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2025–26 season, meaning he arrived at this World Cup as a free agent, without a club for the first time in his career. The occasion carried personal weight of its own.

Australia coach Tony Popovic was measured in defeat. "It's tough. We showed the world that Australian football is strong, they're a wonderful group and I'm devastated for them. Unfortunately we go home and the World Cup ends for us."

What comes next

Lionel Messi's Argentina loom next for Egypt, as long as the reigning champions avoid a massive upset against tournament debutants Cape Verde in their last-32 encounter. Egypt face Argentina or Cape Verde on Tuesday 7 July at noon Eastern time in Atlanta.

Egypt were the first Arab, Middle Eastern and African team to play at a World Cup, competing in the 1934 tournament in Italy. It took 92 years for the Pharaohs to advance beyond the group stage. On Friday night in Texas, they finally did.