Egypt edge Australia on penalties to reach World Cup last 16
By Tosin Omojola
Egypt became the second African team to qualify for the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Australia 4-2 on penalties on Friday night.
The Round of 32 clash at Dallas Stadium saw the Pharaohs take the lead in the 13th minute through Emam Ashour.
Australia drew level in the 55th minute when Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.
Despite several attempts by both sides to find a winner, the match remained deadlocked at 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Neither team could break the deadlock during the additional 30 minutes of extra time, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout.
Egypt held their nerve from the spot, converting four of their penalties while Australia managed only two, sealing a 4-2 shootout victory.
The Pharaohs join Morocco as Africa’s representatives in the Round of 16 and will face the winner of the Argentina versus Cape Verde fixture in the next round.
